Odd men out at receiver

[PurpleCity5]

Here's my deal: I really like what Carter offers. Yes, it's true that he would make 7 WR if we keep the draft picks and guys from last year on the 53, but I love what Carter provides and I think he needs to make the team and will. He provides what may be good ST play and looks like a good RS. That's important to me since we got rid of Jacoby Jones. I have to see if he can play gunner, but I think he could do that as well. He has the wheels for it. Carter is also a similar player to Campanaro and Smith in his size, and it's nice to have a guy like that for match-up purposes. I don't want to lose him because he's the kind of WR that gives Sherman trouble. 

 

I just really believe we keep 7 this year. I feel pretty strong about it, like I did about us keeping Hurst last year. 

I wouldn't rule out keeping 7 WRs, I think there's a solid chance that could happen. We do need a kick returner and Carter could be that guy. 

[Mad Puppy]

What were the actual reasons Waller was suspended from his college team (TWICE)?

why be so vague about the suspensions?

This should be a red flag after all he was suspended each of the past two years to start the seasons? My guess is the same infraction? if it is the same then there is a not learning the lesson thing.....

Just a thought but he was never really considered a starter in GT, I just gotta wonder if he is really in the running for a spot on the roster?

[Purple_City39]

What were the actual reasons Waller was suspended from his college team (TWICE)?

why be so vague about the suspensions?

This should be a red flag after all he was suspended each of the past two years to start the seasons? My guess is the same infraction? if it is the same then there is a not learning the lesson thing.....

Just a thought but he was never really considered a starter in GT, I just gotta wonder if he is really in the running for a spot on the roster?

It's clearly not a red flag since they actually discussed it all with him prior to drafting him.  And, this is the team that was likely going to draft Marcus Peters if he was available.  The Ravens give players chances if they seem redeemable (see J.Smith).

 

That said, he was suspended for violating teams rules and that honestly could be anything.  It could be not staying out past a team given curfew, not drinking, or not wearing a tie to a meeting when he was told to.  Either way, it's something nobody in Baltimore was really worried about before they drafted him.

[PolishRifle]

It's odd, how most of us panicked, that we wouldn't sign Greg Jennings or Michael Crabtree and suddenly we're all under the impression, that we have too many WRs. What will we ever do with all those WRs? PANIC!!!

[Ravensfan23]

Looking at the WR competition I'm looking at guys who may have similar roles for this offense. Of course most of my opinion comes from what I saw from the Bears the last two seasons and how that might translate here. The Ravens have a total of 9 WRs who will be fighting for a roles on this team(not Smitty). 6 of those WRs are listed at 6'2" or better. That doesn't bode well for guys like Camp, Carter nor Robinson. I only see 1 of those guys making the cut and it'll come down to who ever can be relied upon to be a return guy. I'd give the edge to Camp right now just because the coaches are familiar with him and his skill set, but I think Carter will be right on his heels from OTAs to the final cuts and if Camp misses any time with injury, it may just be over for him, regardless of the talent. 

 

The remaining 6 WRs will have a very interesting battle imo. No need to add Perriman in because we already know he already has a role. It's just a matter of how early he'll be a big contributor for the offense. 

 

That leaves Brown, Aiken, Bulter, Waller and Worthy.  This battle will be one of the best we've seen imo. Brown and Waller clearly stands apart from the group with their height, but it'll take more then that to lock down a spot. I think Brown is at the top of the group right now, but he'll need a strong camp because I think all these guys will show their potential. If just comparing this to what Trestman did with the Bears, I can clearly see Brown having a big role for this team. Now of course he will have to continue to improve under the teaching of Engram and prove he can be what Trestman wants, but I think he'll be that first guy Trestman looks to be that move the chains possession guy that can make things happen after the catch. 

 

Waller is raw, but so was Brown in his rookie year and look at the production he had. The biggest thing he'll have working for him is opportunity. He'll be given chances which is the best thing any young player can ask for. I think both he and Perriman develop really quickly and contribute this year. 

 

With Aiken, Worthy and Butler, I think all those guys bring a lot of the same qualities. Big physical possession type guys, in the similar mold to Marlon Brown, without the extra couple inches. Imo Brown is an more explosive WR of the others. But of these 3 i think obviously Aiken is ahead of this class, but I think it'll be closer then many think. As good a season as Aiken had he's not as safe as people think. He definitely is in the driver seat to making this team but it's not a lock. 

 

So looking at the depth chart with an eye towards the future, I have it like this. 

 

2015

1. Perriman 

2. Smith Sr/Brown

3. Brown/Smith Sr.

4. Waller

5. Aiken

6. Camp

 

PS: Carter and Worthy

 

I think after about 4 weeks of the season, Sr and Brown will start to platoon as the #2 guy opposite Perriman in attempts to keep Sr fresh. 

[Ravensfan23]

So listening to the teleconference with Ozzie and Harbs, I'd definitely say that Marlon Brown is as close to a lock to make this team as anyone not named Smith or Perriman. Harbs was asked about Marlon and he basically lit up with excitement over what the plans for Marlon is this year. 

 

He basically confirmed that injury was the biggest thing that stopped a huge season from Marlon last season, was happy how he finished the season and expects him to have a huge season this year. 

 

Now I know many will say well Harbs speaks with excitement about every player. However on the same call when a caller raved about the potential of Camparano, Harbs simply responded with, "we'll he'll have to earn playing time". That might not say much to anyone else, but it speaks volumes to me, simply because this is the time of year when coaches really start to lock in on where they see each player fitting in the offense. If Harbs is publicly saying he has big plans for Brown, i'm sure Trestman has probably raved about him behind closed doors. I think it's safe to say, Marlon Brown will not be the odd man out, unless he just completely tanks. 

[PurpleCity5]

So listening to the teleconference with Ozzie and Harbs, I'd definitely say that Marlon Brown is as close to a lock to make this team as anyone not named Smith or Perriman. Harbs was asked about Marlon and he basically lit up with excitement over what the plans for Marlon is this year. 

We will need a future #2. I wouldn't rule out Brown being that guy. Maybe they'll move SSS to the slot and Perriman and Brown can play on the outside, Harbs did say that SSS will have a limited role going onto next season. 

Edited May 12, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[GrimCoconut]

So listening to the teleconference with Ozzie and Harbs, I'd definitely say that Marlon Brown is as close to a lock to make this team as anyone not named Smith or Perriman. Harbs was asked about Marlon and he basically lit up with excitement over what the plans for Marlon is this year.

He basically confirmed that injury was the biggest thing that stopped a huge season from Marlon last season, was happy how he finished the season and expects him to have a huge season this year.

Now I know many will say well Harbs speaks with excitement about every player. However on the same call when a caller raved about the potential of Camparano, Harbs simply responded with, "we'll he'll have to earn playing time". That might not say much to anyone else, but it speaks volumes to me, simply because this is the time of year when coaches really start to lock in on where they see each player fitting in the offense. If Harbs is publicly saying he has big plans for Brown, i'm sure Trestman has probably raved about him behind closed doors. I think it's safe to say, Marlon Brown will not be the odd man out, unless he just completely tanks.

Yeah it's true that Harbaugh is clearly excited for Brown. I still like him and I think he's not going anywhere but it scares me to ever predict that unless it's truly obvious lol. Didn't Harbaugh also say he expects Campanaro to play a big role this year?

[omar586]

carter will make the team, due to his ST skills, waller might b cut if doesn't perform in TC and re-signed to PS.

[GrimCoconut]

We will need a future #2. I wouldn't rule out Brown being that guy. Maybe they'll move SSS to the slot and Perriman and Brown can play on the outside, Harbs did say that SSS will have a limited role going onto next season.

Bruh we need a #1 lol. I know what you're saying. Just joking around. I also expect Perriman to be the man, but he's not yet so I'm optimistically holding my breath!

[GrimCoconut]

carter will make the team, due to his ST skills, waller might b cut if doesn't perform in TC and re-signed to PS.

I really think Carter makes the team. I've said that I don't know how many times. I'm sure some are sick of me saying it. I also feel the same way about Waller making the team. I really like what these guys have to offer.

If we don't carry 7 WR, I'd guess Aiken is cut.

[Ravensfan23]

We will need a future #2. I wouldn't rule out Brown being that guy. Maybe they'll move SSS to the slot and Perriman and Brown can play on the outside, Harbs did say that SSS will have a limited role going onto next season. 

 

Honestly I think that was the plan dating back to last season but a rough training camp kind of stopped that. Even Smitty didn't expect to have as large a role as he did last season, but Torrey starting slow and Brown not being ready focused him to be #1. 

 

I definitely think the play is to have Brown platoon with Smitty a lot this year. If Brown can put it together, i see him in that mold of a TJ Housh in that #2 spot going forward. I definitely think he'll have the same type of season he had his rookie year, maybe not as many TDs. 

[Ravensfan23]

Yeah it's true that Harbaugh is clearly excited for Brown. I still like him and I think he's not going anywhere but it scares me to ever predict that unless it's truly obvious lol. Didn't Harbaugh also say he expects Campanaro to play a big role this year?

 

my connection was poor so the call was fading in and out for me, so I missed a few questions and answers. I don't recall Harbs saying that on the call, he may have spoke highly of him at another point this offseason. The couple times I heard Harbs speak of Campanaro on this call he just basically said he's a good player and the talent is there but he'll have to earn it. 

 

Even with the returner role who many seem to think Camp is a lock for, Harbs only mentioned him, along with Carter and Webb, then followed up by saying Ozzie is working on some other options. Wasn't really a ringing endorsement. I'm not saying the mood is sour on Camp, I was just pointing out that Brown draw a lot of excitement from Harbs about the prospects of a big season. I've seen many in this thread suggest that Brown has regressed and is seemingly on his way out. 

[GrimCoconut]

my connection was poor so the call was fading in and out for me, so I missed a few questions and answers. I don't recall Harbs saying that on the call, he may have spoke highly of him at another point this offseason. The couple times I heard Harbs speak of Campanaro on this call he just basically said he's a good player and the talent is there but he'll have to earn it.

Even with the returner role who many seem to think Camp is a lock for, Harbs only mentioned him, along with Carter and Webb, then followed up by saying Ozzie is working on some other options. Wasn't really a ringing endorsement. I'm not saying the mood is sour on Camp, I was just pointing out that Brown draw a lot of excitement from Harbs about the prospects of a big season. I've seen many in this thread suggest that Brown has regressed and is seemingly on his way out.

He made the comment earlier in the offseason yeah. I can't recall when exactly he stated that, though I do remember it.

Harbaugh is always like that though. He always says that about players needing to compete. I do agree with your point about Brown. I wasn't one who said Brown regressed but I did say he's not a lock. I'll admit that. I do think he's in store for a huge year if everything goes to plan. He's in his third year when WR typically break out. I think he's set up very nicely. It's up to him though. I actually think Aiken could be the odd man out, even though I like him. I wouldn't be surprised if we keep 7 WR. That's what I think ultimately happens.

[Ravensfan23]

I really think Carter makes the team. I've said that I don't know how many times. I'm sure some are sick of me saying it. I also feel the same way about Waller making the team. I really like what these guys have to offer.

If we don't carry 7 WR, I'd guess Aiken is cut.

 

so you have both Carter and Camp making the team? I can't see a case for keeping both guys to fill seemingly the same role. 

 

Agree with Waller. Harbs spoke about lining him up at TE and moving him all around the field to create matchup problems. Again it could be viewed as just coach speak but like I said before, this is the time of year when coaches start having plans on how each guy will fit into the offense. Obviously Harbs won't give away too much, but I think it doesn't take a genius to see the ways the Ravens can use the size and speed of Waller in this offense. 

 

Also i can see a really strong scenario where Aiken is not apart of this team, but ultimately I think he makes it. But i don't see him carrying over the success of last season. I think he can have that Laquan Williams thing happen where you really don't see a reason to why his role diminished to just ST and he'll be a fan favorite, but I think he's the odd man out while staying on the roster. 

[GrimCoconut]

so you have both Carter and Camp making the team? I can't see a case for keeping both guys to fill seemingly the same role.

Agree with Waller. Harbs spoke about lining him up at TE and moving him all around the field to create matchup problems. Again it could be viewed as just coach speak but like I said before, this is the time of year when coaches start having plans on how each guy will fit into the offense. Obviously Harbs won't give away too much, but I think it doesn't take a genius to see the ways the Ravens can use the size and speed of Waller in this offense.

Also i can see a really strong scenario where Aiken is not apart of this team, but ultimately I think he makes it. But i don't see him carrying over the success of last season. I think he can have that Laquan Williams thing happen where you really don't see a reason to why his role diminished to just ST and he'll be a fan favorite, but I think he's the odd man out while staying on the roster.

I pretty much concur with everything except Campanaro and Carter. Here's why I think they both have a spot here on the team. While it's true we're getting a lot of big WR, you still need small and shifty WR. Steve Smith Sr isn't young and I believe he'll be used in a rotation but still a big role. Harbaugh said his role will be diminished. I believe that. The problem is that you still need these small and shifty guys especially against bigger CB who typically struggle against smaller WR.

Carter and Campanaro aren't exactly the same WR, either. They're similar but if I am to make a lazy comparison I'd say Carter is similar to Steve Smith and Campanaro is similar to Sanders. Those two WR are similar but also different. I think Carter could make a good ST player as a gunner as well, making him even more important. I think Campanaro could be a good PR.

[RavensFanMania]

I really think Carter makes the team. I've said that I don't know how many times. I'm sure some are sick of me saying it. I also feel the same way about Waller making the team. I really like what these guys have to offer.

If we don't carry 7 WR, I'd guess Aiken is cut.

I agree they are going to keep 7 WR's.  Maybe Aiken could be traded for a late round pick.

[omar586]

I really think Carter makes the team. I've said that I don't know how many times. I'm sure some are sick of me saying it. I also feel the same way about Waller making the team. I really like what these guys have to offer.

If we don't carry 7 WR, I'd guess Aiken is cut.

i agree with u, its gonna be tough to cut Aiken too, he's been productive for us everytime he touches the ball, i dont think waller is ready just yet, i hope im wrong, but i see carter as replacement for JJ.

[Adreme]

Never trust what Harbs says about the people on the roster.  If fans and the media of critical of them you can trust him to talk about how they are looking really good and he is really excited to either see what he can do or they are trying to find a way to fit this player in more to the system.  On the flip side if fans are the media are really hyping up a player you can typically expect Harbs to talk about how "yes he is a great player but everyone has to earn there spot" or something along those lines.

[PurpleCity5]

Bruh we need a #1 lol. I know what you're saying. Just joking around. I also expect Perriman to be the man, but he's not yet so I'm optimistically holding my breath!

Lol I totally know what you mean lol and I'm not going to lie even though you were joking I do think that too. But I expect Perriman will assume to that #1 role. I really would like to see Brown take that #2 role, limit our needs and we saw his potential during his rookie year. 

[PurpleCity5]

It would suck to see Aiken let go. I have high hopes. 

[beasy2487]

In my opinion, it's more likely that we keep both Carter and Campanaro than it is that we keep both Brown and Aiken. Also have to keep in mind that injuries are going to make a lot of these decisions for the team.

[Ravensfan23]

I pretty much concur with everything except Campanaro and Carter. Here's why I think they both have a spot here on the team. While it's true we're getting a lot of big WR, you still need small and shifty WR. Steve Smith Sr isn't young and I believe he'll be used in a rotation but still a big role. Harbaugh said his role will be diminished. I believe that. The problem is that you still need these small and shifty guys especially against bigger CB who typically struggle against smaller WR.

Carter and Campanaro aren't exactly the same WR, either. They're similar but if I am to make a lazy comparison I'd say Carter is similar to Steve Smith and Campanaro is similar to Sanders. Those two WR are similar but also different. I think Carter could make a good ST player as a gunner as well, making him even more important. I think Campanaro could be a good PR.

 

I have no doubt that they aren't the same type of player, I just think they'll serve the same purpose to "this team". I think the "big WR" thing is real. Over the last 2 years, Trestman only had 3 WRs listed under 6'1" Holmes, Weems and Bennett. Only Bennett in 2013 had more then 10 catches. So i'm not sure that small shifty WR is a "need", i think it'd be a great luxury to have if we already had one of those type guys established, but we don't.

 

I definitely agree with the Carter and Smith comparison, but I don't see Carter being used as anything more then a slot guy who get the occasional deep shot. He'll be a ST guy and you pointing out his gunner potential is why I'd rank him over Camp from a ST standpoint. If they both make the roster, i can't see both being active together. You keep both these guys and only carry 6, you're talking about Trestman having 3 WRs listed 5'11" or shorter. I really can't see that happening. I know height doesn't mean everything, but I think it means a good deal to "this offense".

 

Plus Trestman spoke about using a lot of 2TE sets to get away from the complex nickle packages. Obviously that won't be a formation the offense is in 100% of the time, but  they'll be in it a good deal. So you look at Williams, Gilmore/Boyle/Pitta(not sure), Juice, Smitty, Perriman and Brown that's 6 options in the pass game not even mentioning the RBs. I just don't see a Welker like slot role in the offense because it wasn't one in Trestman's offense the last 2 years. Without that slot role being present I think that's where the comment of "he'll have to compete to get on the field" but when asked about guys like Waller and Brown, Harbs had a clear vision of what to expect from those guys this year.

[Ravensfan23]

In my opinion, it's more likely that we keep both Carter and Campanaro than it is that we keep both Brown and Aiken. Also have to keep in mind that injuries are going to make a lot of these decisions for the team.

why?

[rmw10]

If we're considering one of Aiken, Brown, or Campanaro as the possible odd man out, I'd say it might be Aiken if I absolutely had to pick one.

 

Injuries could be the deciding factor, though.

[GrimCoconut]

I have no doubt that they aren't the same type of player, I just think they'll serve the same purpose to "this team". I think the "big WR" thing is real. Over the last 2 years, Trestman only had 3 WRs listed under 6'1" Holmes, Weems and Bennett. Only Bennett in 2013 had more then 10 catches. So i'm not sure that small shifty WR is a "need", i think it'd be a great luxury to have if we already had one of those type guys established, but we don't.

 

I definitely agree with the Carter and Smith comparison, but I don't see Carter being used as anything more then a slot guy who get the occasional deep shot. He'll be a ST guy and you pointing out his gunner potential is why I'd rank him over Camp from a ST standpoint. If they both make the roster, i can't see both being active together. You keep both these guys and only carry 6, you're talking about Trestman having 3 WRs listed 5'11" or shorter. I really can't see that happening. I know height doesn't mean everything, but I think it means a good deal to "this offense".

 

Plus Trestman spoke about using a lot of 2TE sets to get away from the complex nickle packages. Obviously that won't be a formation the offense is in 100% of the time, but  they'll be in it a good deal. So you look at Williams, Gilmore/Boyle/Pitta(not sure), Juice, Smitty, Perriman and Brown that's 6 options in the pass game not even mentioning the RBs. I just don't see a Welker like slot role in the offense because it wasn't one in Trestman's offense the last 2 years. Without that slot role being present I think that's where the comment of "he'll have to compete to get on the field" but when asked about guys like Waller and Brown, Harbs had a clear vision of what to expect from those guys this year.

Just because Trestman seems to have a penchant for big WRs doesn't necessarily mean that we won't keep three short guys around. I actually like the big movement myself, but I see a lot of similarities in Waller that I do in Aiken and Brown. So, if we're using the argument about having a bunch of players in a similar role, then why have tons of huge targets exclusively? That makes the team a bit one-dimensional. I haven't researched what kind of WRs Trestman worked with outside of the Bears, but I do imagine he likes the big guys. That said, I feel confident and comfortable that there's a place for all these guys. I think we'll be using a lot of subpackages and special roles for WRs on the offense, so I think having 3 WRs below 5-11 makes sense due to this. It's also Smith Sr's last year IMO, so you're talking about keeping Campanaro and Carter for a year in a crowded situation, which isn't a bad thing. Due to Campanaro's injury history, it stands to reason to roll with a few similar guys. 

 

Now, I don't expect us to keep 7 WR on the roster the whole season. I do expect Pitta to return, and when he does, I see a WR being cut. I think Aiken is the most likely guy to be out of a job if I had to choose. I think he's the most replaceable, although I like him a lot.

[rmw10]

I'd also consider the fact that someone like Carter may not be viewed as a guy taking up a spot at WR.  He very well may be a guy viewed as a ST that can play WR as well.  Hell, one year we had 7 at S just because they were all quality STers.  It's easy to say we need x amount of each position, but the Ravens historically don't really follow that.  They always take way more of a position or two than you expect, and way less somewhere else.

[beasy2487]

why?

 

Mostly a hunch but I'm just not high on Brown as a WR(i.e. Don't like 'em, lol). He's got a great work ethic, he's humble, and he plays hard. Those are all great things but even given those facts he just doesn't seem to have playmaking talent. On a team starved for receivers over the past two seasons, with one of the better QBs in the league, I can't remember a time I've seen him catch a pass that wasn't a jump ball or a schemed route to cut him loose. He doesn't play to his size and just generally lacks the tenacity I like in Ravens players.

 

On a team that isn't starved for WR depth, I think you go with players with higher upside and/or that fill needs. I think Kamar Aiken offers everything that Brown does, giving Brown the slight edge as a receiver and Aiken the edge as a special teamer. Both Campanaro and Carter provide a change of pace from the trees we have in Waller, Perriman and Aiken/Brown; provide return ability; and are in a prime position to learn from Steve Smith Sr.

 

TL;DR

 

In my opinion Aiken and Brown are the same guy while Carter and Campanaro bring something different to the table. All in all, though, history dictates that the injury bug will make this choice much less contentious in the end.

[Ravensfan23]

Just because Trestman seems to have a penchant for big WRs doesn't necessarily mean that we won't keep three short guys around. I actually like the big movement myself, but I see a lot of similarities in Waller that I do in Aiken and Brown. So, if we're using the argument about having a bunch of players in a similar role, then why have tons of huge targets exclusively? That makes the team a bit one-dimensional. I haven't researched what kind of WRs Trestman worked with outside of the Bears, but I do imagine he likes the big guys. That said, I feel confident and comfortable that there's a place for all these guys. I think we'll be using a lot of subpackages and special roles for WRs on the offense, so I think having 3 WRs below 5-11 makes sense due to this. It's also Smith Sr's last year IMO, so you're talking about keeping Campanaro and Carter for a year in a crowded situation, which isn't a bad thing. Due to Campanaro's injury history, it stands to reason to roll with a few similar guys. 

 

Now, I don't expect us to keep 7 WR on the roster the whole season. I do expect Pitta to return, and when he does, I see a WR being cut. I think Aiken is the most likely guy to be out of a job if I had to choose. I think he's the most replaceable, although I like him a lot.

 

Tbh, I don't know much about Trestman outside of what he did with the Bears. So my opinions on what the offense will look like comes from that. Trestman has also spoke. Just looking at the Bears roster over the last 2 seasons, it featured those big bodies at WR. If you just look at 2013 when Trestman first took over, a guy like Devin Hester, who isn't as good a WR as Camp imo, went from having a decent role craved out with the Bears as a slot type to having no role at all in Trestman's offense. He went from being targeted 40 times in 2012 to being targeted 0 times in 2013. He was the teams primary returner that year, much like guys like Camp or Carter would be imo but no targets in the pass game. 

 

Again i'm not saying you don't keep 3 smaller guys because they are similar, it's all about how they fit into "this offense". We can talk about the big WR talk all day but at the end of the day, we really don't know what Trestman has planned. But just looking at what Trestman had in Chicago and what he has now, I don't think he's worried about being 1 dimensional. His leading targets in 2013 were Marshall, Jeffery, Bennett and Forte. None of those guys are really open field type guys, he just found creative ways to get them open and favorable match ups. He basically turned Jeffery into that all around WR, but that definitely wasn't what he was coming out of SC. He had more rushing attempts in his rookie season then he had his entire collegiate career. 

 

You mention someone taking over for Steve Smith next season but who's to say they are looking for a Steve Smith clone? I've said many times before I think Marlon Brown is that guy to take over that role moving forward and he's clearly not that same body type. I think once the preseason starts we'll have a better idea of what the Ravens offense will look like moving forward. But right now all i can see is what Trestman did with the Bears and because of that I can't see both Camp and Carter making the active roster. 

[Ravensfan23]

Mostly a hunch but I'm just not high on Brown as a WR(i.e. Don't like 'em, lol). He's got a great work ethic, he's humble, and he plays hard. Those are all great things but even given those facts he just doesn't seem to have playmaking talent. On a team starved for receivers over the past two seasons, with one of the better QBs in the league, I can't remember a time I've seen him catch a pass that wasn't a jump ball or a schemed route to cut him loose. He doesn't play to his size and just generally lacks the tenacity I like in Ravens players.

 

On a team that isn't starved for WR depth, I think you go with players with higher upside and/or that fill needs. I think Kamar Aiken offers everything that Brown does, giving Brown the slight edge as a receiver and Aiken the edge as a special teamer. Both Campanaro and Carter provide a change of pace from the trees we have in Waller, Perriman and Aiken/Brown; provide return ability; and are in a prime position to learn from Steve Smith Sr.

 

TL;DR

 

In my opinion Aiken and Brown are the same guy while Carter and Campanaro bring something different to the table. All in all, though, history dictates that the injury bug will make this choice much less contentious in the end.

 

I clearly disagree with Brown but you don't like him so i get it. lol I don't see Brown and  Aiken as the same players honestly. Brown is exactly what you say he isn't, a playmaker. He's much more explosive in and out of his breaks and after the catch then Aiken. Everybody that plays with Flacco gets those jump ball opportunities, not sure how it's a knock on Brown. Aiken to me is the guy who gets schemed open more often then not, but that's not a bad thing. 

 

I can see both Camp and Carter being a break from the tree, I just don't see a need for a break seeing as how each tree brings a different skill set imo. Honestly I see those two guy are in competition with each other. I can't see either one being relied upon as a WR only, so they'll have to contribute as ST guys. But who knows, I could be way off, that's why i'm so excited to see how this competition shakes out.