Where we can find that playmaking #1 Receiver

[Bravens292]

Well it won't be Diggs in the first round anymore. Man is he injury prone! 2 season ending injuries.

[PoeDinkum]

The key words were " drafted" & "good". They have drafted a number of WRs. Torrey, T.Doss, T.Streeter, D.Reed, m.Smith , Harper, Mellette, Campanaro. Undrafted Free agents - Marlon Brown, L.Williams, Aiken , D.Thompson.

Now campanaro caught some passes looked Nice in a few games. But I can say that for Doss, L.Williams, D.Reed also. Marlon brown looked really good last year and now has disappeared.

Ideally a FA WR would be a decent investment. Mason was a FA WR although he was on the team when Flacco arrived. He is also a veteran that Flacco worked well with.

Boldin and S.Smith. K.Washington had 1 decent year with us, J.Jones looks bad now but had 2 good years.

For whatever reason we haven't developed any of these WRs. Some teams manage to find a diamond in the rough with middle to late round draft picks.

This is absolute truth...here's a refresher of the WR position coaches we have had

http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/6619/tracking-ravens-position-coaches

 

Not sure if Engram will fare much better, but the bottom line is somehow, someway the FO and staff will have to figure this out to have a truly dynamic, legit threat at WR.

 

Heck, I'd just like a corps of guys whose skill sets are complimentary with an OC who can utilize them effectively in positional football, e.g Marlon in the redzone, Aiken over the middle settling in zones, etc. Thought we'd thrive with something like this with Kubes this year, but I guess he just doesn't have confidence in these young guys yet.

[Underdogsontop!]

What about Devin Funchess? 6'5 230lbs, hes big, fast for his size with good hands and catch radius. A web sites said his 40 time could possibly be in the 4.4 range.

[Maryland]

Well it won't be Diggs in the first round anymore. Man is he injury prone! 2 season ending injuries.

He really does remind me of Harvin for both the way he makes big exciting plays as an offensive weapon and a special teams returner, as well as his penchant for getting injured.

 

He needs to learn to avoid hits, at least while he is in college. Go down before the big hit or go out of bounds. There was some sideline catch vs Iowa (I think) where he pretended like he was going out of bounds, and then took a decent hit just to get like 2 extra yards after already having the 1st down. Then he missed a few snaps because he was sore. Kid plays through injury, I'll give him that, but avoid the big hits when you can my man. 

[stampedehero]

Looking forward, what avenues should we take to approach this problem.  We are becoming one of the few competitive teams without a legitimate threat at receiver.  Obviously Steve Smith is playing out of his mind but even then, how well will he hold up the rest of the season and turning 36 years old.  

 

Our division alone has Josh Gordon, Antonio Brown, and AJ Green (Sanu as well).  Pats have Gronk who has proved to be crucial in their success (and is basically a receiver looking at his numbers).  Cards have Fitz and Floyd, Broncos Demarius, the list goes on.

 

 

All teams at the top of the league have a playmaking threat at receiver.  I reallly don't see a team in the top 10 power rankings without one.  We are completely lost at that position.  I see Campanaro being huge in our future but behind him I don't see anyone on this team who looks to fill that role every team seems to have.

 

Pitta was not the same coming back from the hip and never will be the same in my honest opinion.  Relying on him for our future would be a bad idea.  I truly think in order to stay competitive in this league we need a guy who scares teams and is a playmaker.  At this point, we do not have that.

Hoping for one is easier than acquiring one. These cats get fat contracts. Its a demand position. When we got Smith it was a steal.  However, he has not had catch and success lately.  T Smith is coming along. When are the O coaches going to really use the Jus on an oppossing  team???   They should review the Harvard vids and plays to realize he is a great option.  If I were the Oz, i would save cap space for Maclin who I believe is a free agent this next season.    

[Tenacious Faulker]

Certainly having a top flight target Joe can rely on every down is a nice thought, but its a luxury.  The Ravens either have to develop one as a rookie or journeyman or acquire a polished target in FA.  Thier history doesn't dictate that they will be successful either way.

 

How many WRs did they draft they were world beaters?  Zero.  Torrey represents the biggest success in that regard and he's only a boarder line #1WR.  If only we could out Smitty's brain in Torrey's head, we might then see a world beater on this team.  They had the right instincts with Clayton, but lacked the where with all to train and motivate him as well as a poor QB for much of his career here.

 

How many proven veteran WRs came to the team only to have lackluster stats?  Mason (so far) has performed best.  Q looked to be at the end of his career until he proved otherwise in SF.  Smitty is on his way to bucking the trend, but you don't get opportunities at them very often.  His feisty attitude sets him apart.

 

A quick look at the top of a heavy WR FA market:

Demaryius Thomas - not likely to leave Denver. Wanted him drafted here-he's one player want Ozzie pull out all the stops for

Dez Bryant - not like to leave Dallas, but I'm not sure his attitude is right for the locker room.

Michael Crabtree - Not that impressed with him so far.

Wes Welker - pass.

Jeremy Maclin - Interesting. Harbs Philly connection, Maclin is an underrated #1, Eagles have parted with top WRs before.  

Reggie Wayne - pass

Hakeem Nicks - pass

Randall Cobb - Not sure if he leaves GB  a team that broke his leg, but I think of him like I do Maclin.

 

There are plenty others fans want, I'm sure.

[1/28/01]

/\ Is it sad that I just dont see those guys putting up big numbers with the Ravens?

[The Raven]

/\ Is it sad that I just dont see those guys putting up big numbers with the Ravens?

 

Yes

[rmcjacket23]

 

Certainly having a top flight target Joe can rely on every down is a nice thought, but its a luxury.  The Ravens either have to develop one as a rookie or journeyman or acquire a polished target in FA.  Thier history doesn't dictate that they will be successful either way.

 

How many WRs did they draft they were world beaters?  Zero.  Torrey represents the biggest success in that regard and he's only a boarder line #1WR.  If only we could out Smitty's brain in Torrey's head, we might then see a world beater on this team.  They had the right instincts with Clayton, but lacked the where with all to train and motivate him as well as a poor QB for much of his career here.

 

How many proven veteran WRs came to the team only to have lackluster stats?  Mason (so far) has performed best.  Q looked to be at the end of his career until he proved otherwise in SF.  Smitty is on his way to bucking the trend, but you don't get opportunities at them very often.  His feisty attitude sets him apart.

 

A quick look at the top of a heavy WR FA market:

Demaryius Thomas - not likely to leave Denver. Wanted him drafted here-he's one player want Ozzie pull out all the stops for

Dez Bryant - not like to leave Dallas, but I'm not sure his attitude is right for the locker room.

Michael Crabtree - Not that impressed with him so far.

Wes Welker - pass.

Jeremy Maclin - Interesting. Harbs Philly connection, Maclin is an underrated #1, Eagles have parted with top WRs before.  

Reggie Wayne - pass

Hakeem Nicks - pass

Randall Cobb - Not sure if he leaves GB  a team that broke his leg, but I think of him like I do Maclin.

 

There are plenty others fans want, I'm sure.

 

I'd put it simply... any WR worth anything isn't likely to hit FA, and the one's that will are either guys we can't afford or are re-treads on the back end of their career.

 

Basically, a typical offseason for the Ravens.

[1/28/01]

Yes

Yes, it is sad. But do you somewhat agree or is it just me? I just dont see monster stats from a big time WR. Its likely because its never really happened here before, but I just have a weird feeling that it wouldn't happen even with a Dez, Fitz (in his prime), Marshall etc.

[kassaiscool]

Maybe the Ravens should trade for a receiver. Someone like Justin Blackmon from the jags. It all depends what they want, but I would be really happy if we could get him or someone like him.

[pitchblack_20]

I feel like people are expecting too much out of Torrey. Torrey was never a dominant receiver and he's never going to be that. Torrey needs to be used in ways that he can use his speed. He's never going to be on that elite receiver level where we can just throw him the ball and he comes down with it. Sorry Torrey but it's the truth. We need to draft a tall receiver with good hands and a large catching radius.

[Alexir]

Maybe the Ravens should trade for a receiver. Someone like Justin Blackmon from the jags. It all depends what they want, but I would be really happy if we could get him or someone like him.

 

After watching Dallas get McClain off of us and see that he was able to turn his career around, I wouldn't be against a low risk, high reward scenario to get Blackmon.

[Torreysmithforthewin]

I used to think something along those lines too, and debated this very thing among friends, but in the end I wouldn't trade Joe's postseason success for Romo's regular season stats...especially after Joe has notched himself a SB victory.

Yeah, however if Romo had a defense like ours has been in the past. He'd have his ring or two by now.

[The Raven]

Yes, it is sad. But do you somewhat agree or is it just me? I just dont see monster stats from a big time WR. Its likely because its never really happened here before, but I just have a weird feeling that it wouldn't happen even with a Dez, Fitz (in his prime), Marshall etc.

 

I think it would depend. I think Flacco could work really well with some of those WRs, like Welker, Demaryius Thomas, and Dez Bryant, but he wouldn't really do well with Maclin or Crabtree. I could see Flacco and DT putting up monster stats. I could see it with Welker. I could see it with Dez. But I would see Maclin or Crabtree getting worse with Joe.

 

Flacco likes working with sure handed route runners that will fight for the ball. For that reason, I see him doing really well with Welker, DT, and Dez, but not many of the others. Remember, his (arguably) best statistical year came when he had Boldin, Mason, Housh, and Heap. Get him guys that run good routes and catch the ball, and he'll make them shine.

 

Also, I think Flacco and Marshall would be a great combo.

[1/28/01]

I think it would depend. I think Flacco could work really well with some of those WRs, like Welker, Demaryius Thomas, and Dez Bryant, but he wouldn't really do well with Maclin or Crabtree. I could see Flacco and DT putting up monster stats. I could see it with Welker. I could see it with Dez. But I would see Maclin or Crabtree getting worse with Joe.

Flacco likes working with sure handed route runners that will fight for the ball. For that reason I see him doing really well with Welker, DT, and Dez, but not many of the others. Remember, his (arguably) best statistical year came when he had Boldin, Mason, Housh, and Heap. Get him guys that run good routes and catch the ball, and he'll make them shine.

Also, I think Flacco and Marshall would be a great combo.

DT and Dez, most likely yes. I would trade half the team for either (rmajcket27488wy8*, Im kidding, so no need to state that its unrealistic and stupid to do so).

[The Raven]

DT and Dez, most likely yes. I would trade half the team for either (rmajcket27488wy8*, Im kidding, so no need to state that its unrealistic and stupid to do so).

 

I think the FO has screwed up on getting Joe weapons. They got so enamored with getting speed to show off Joe's arm that they forgot to get the possession receivers that Joe actually liked throwing too.

 

Get Joe more Boldins, Masons, and Smittys. It's clear he likes them more.

[CalvinSmoke]

This is the first time this franchise has had a chance to build around a. quarterback. The obviously didn't know how to do it. They thought go routes would work just because he has a strong arm when he's really been a West Coast quarterback this whole time. Give him recievers he can trust and he will get us more rings

[1/28/01]

Yes, tons of sure-handed, short route receivers and 1 Torrey Smith please. Despite popular opinion, Joes deep ball isnt the bees knees, but his short routes into tight windows and of course his Mason ball are generally beautiful. His slant ball needs some work, but come back routes, digs, curls etc are good.

I would love a 1/2/3 of DT or Dez, Torrey and a Welker/Camp type guy. Throw in a healthy Pitta (unlikely to happen, but that type of TE) and I think Joe flourishes.

[The Raven]

Yes, tons of sure-handed, short route receivers and 1 Torrey Smith please. Despite popular opinion, Joes deep ball isnt the bees knees, but his short routes into tight windows and of course his Mason ball are generally beautiful. His slant ball needs some work, but come back routes, digs, curls etc are good.

I would love a 1/2/3 of DT or Dez, Torrey and a Welker/Camp type guy. Throw in a healthy Pitta (unlikely to happen, but that type of TE) and I think Joe flourishes.

 

Give him a Boldin, a Torrey, a Camp, with a Pitta and I think we see top five numbers.

[1/28/01]

Give him a Boldin, a Torrey, a Camp, with a Pitta and I think we see top five numbers.

A properly used Boldin, a confident Torrey and a healthy Pitta and I would certainly agree.

[Alexir]

What about Hingle McCrinkleberry?

[izvoodoo]

What about Hingle McCrinkleberry?

I don't know if we can deal with the excessive pelvic thrusting

[PurpleCorsair]

What about Hingle McCrinkleberry?

We do need a young, play-making tight end...

[Inqui]

I don't know if we can deal with the excessive pelvic thrusting

You can never have too much pelvic thrusting.

[Tenacious Faulker]

Maybe the Ravens should trade for a receiver. Someone like Justin Blackmon from the jags. It all depends what they want, but I would be really happy if we could get him or someone like him.

I've seen Blackmon's name come up on several discussions and several threads.  I'm curious as to how we think a headcase like him will fit in around here.  He's done done nothing but be a distraction since getting into the league, he squandered his 2014 season and there are other players with better attributes.  

 

I would prefer he stay in Jacksonville.

[GrimCoconut]

I wouldn't mind Blackmon but I wouldn't rely on him. I think we rely too heavily on veterans or other teams' castaways. We need to just scout someone who will be that guy for us. I don't know what the issue has been, whether it's QB, scouting, development, etc but have Joe tag be there on a workout and throw the prospect the ball if it's allowed during the scouting process.

[rmcjacket23]

I've seen Blackmon's name come up on several discussions and several threads.  I'm curious as to how we think a headcase like him will fit in around here.  He's done done nothing but be a distraction since getting into the league, he squandered his 2014 season and there are other players with better attributes.  

 

I would prefer he stay in Jacksonville.

I don't think he's realistically a consideration. Not even sure the reward > risk anyway.

[redrum52]

I think the FO has screwed up on getting Joe weapons. They got so enamored with getting speed to show off Joe's arm that they forgot to get the possession receivers that Joe actually liked throwing too.

Get Joe more Boldins, Masons, and Smittys. It's clear he likes them more.

They've tried. Haven't panned out but they tried. I think Reed was suppose to have some of the best hands in the draft. They also tried with Doss as well. I wanted Alshon, but up til the draft his work ethic was in question and didn't he show up out of shape at the combine?

In 08 they tried Marcus Smith and Harper. 10 they tried with drafting Dickson and Pitta and I think it was last year they tried Mellette who I don't think was a speed guy. It's not like they don't try, I just honestly think we're not good at it, whether scouting or developing.

And to answer the OP question... the draft or trading. Too expensive in FA and we sure as hell don't have the cash.

[ravefan52]

They've tried. Haven't panned out but they tried. I think Reed was suppose to have some of the best hands in the draft. They also tried with Doss as well. I wanted Alshon, but up til the draft his work ethic was in question and didn't he show up out of shape at the combine?

In 08 they tried Marcus Smith and Harper. 10 they tried with drafting Dickson and Pitta and I think it was last year they tried Mellette who I don't think was a speed guy. It's not like they don't try, I just honestly think we're not good at it, whether scouting or developing.

And to answer the OP question... the draft or trading. Too expensive in FA and we sure as hell don't have the cash.

I agree we're not that good at it. Though they really don't try that hard, especially lately. Sure we've taken a few mid and late rounders, but we rarely draft them early. Only one WR in the first 3 rds since selecting Flacco and not one higher than the 6th and the last three drafts. It's unrealistic to expect a lot out of that. I get that drafting WR's hasn't worked out great for us, but there's only one way to change that.