Odd men out at receiver

[sflegend89]

 

Michael Campanaro: Another one hurt his rookie year and he had merely 7 receptions. Additionally he is small with no vertical. That said, he averaged significant yards per catch. If he stays healthy through camp I think he makes the team. If he goes down in any manner Practice Squad at best.

 

 

 

39 inch vertical isn't good enough for you? That's higher than Odell Beckham LOL

[RayRocks]

39 inch vertical isn't good enough for you? That's higher than Odell Beckham LOL

 

Also, his only Touchdown from last year he out-jumped a guy that's a solid 1-2 inches taller than him.  Campanaro's vertical is not really an issue with him... it's pretty much all a question on if he can stay healthy or not.

[JoeyFlex5]

Also, his only Touchdown from last year he out-jumped a guy that's a solid 1-2 inches taller than him.  Campanaro's vertical is not really an issue with him... it's pretty much all a question on if he can stay healthy or not.

this. campanaro 100% has the ability to be an elite possession guy, his LOOOONG injury history is the issue, and his frame not getting any bigger coupled with playing against tougher competition in the nfl doesnt help that.

[GrimCoconut]

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.

Yeah I admittedly don't know a ton about him either. It certainly looks like he favors big WR but maybe he just didn't like the smaller options he had? The GM wasn't very good either so there's that.

I don't mean Steve Smith's role. I mean the type of WR he is. That small and shifty WR who can also beat you deep down the sideline.

I suppose it's possible that we only keep one of Carter or Campanaro. I just don't agree with it, but I'll admit it can happen just as likely as it can't. For me Campanaro appears to be a sure fire lock for the roster. I just don't see the team giving up on him yet because they seemed to like what they got out of him last year. As I said, I really like Carter as a ST player with upside at WR.

[Guest]

39 inch vertical isn't good enough for you? That's higher than Odell Beckham LOL

 

I stand corrected.  I checked, the NFL combine did record that leap. That's what I get for parroting what someone else concluded.

But, I did hear from the same source he tore his hammy on that up.

 

Steve Smith, Campanaro and Carter are all smaller men.  You can't have a corps of smurfs in today's NFL. We have to keep Smith for a number of reasons.  Just can't see us keeping all 3, even if Campanaro or Carter inherits the return role.

Edited May 13, 2015 by Danny D

[Ravensfan23]

Yeah I admittedly don't know a ton about him either. It certainly looks like he favors big WR but maybe he just didn't like the smaller options he had? The GM wasn't very good either so there's that.

I don't mean Steve Smith's role. I mean the type of WR he is. That small and shifty WR who can also beat you deep down the sideline.

I suppose it's possible that we only keep one of Carter or Campanaro. I just don't agree with it, but I'll admit it can happen just as likely as it can't. For me Campanaro appears to be a sure fire lock for the roster. I just don't see the team giving up on him yet because they seemed to like what they got out of him last year. As I said, I really like Carter as a ST player with upside at WR.

 

Yea it's definitely possible that Trestman didn't like the options he had with the Bears in terms of smaller WRs. But I still can't see his offense looking to feature more than 1 of those type guys. 

 

I fully understood what you were saying about Smitty, but my point was who's to say the Ravens are looking for someone to be in the same mold as Smitty. I don't think Ozzie went out and got Smitty to fill an specific role, I think he brought him in because he plays like a Raven and he's really good. So moving forward i don't necessarily think you have to replace Smitty in terms of a smaller shifty guy because that's not really what the offense asked for. Imo it's not like replacing Welker in NE where you knew what type of player your wanted to fill that role. Smitty was brought in to be a #2 WR, That guy that keeps the offense moving and can take over in games where the defense looks to take away the #1 guy. I honestly don't see either Camp or Carter filling those roles right now. Maybe after the preseason i might feel different.

 

I don't see the team giving up on Camp either, but I also don't see them labeling him a made man should he be outplayed in training camp and preseason. I just think that he'll have to force his way into the offense much like Laquan Williams was asked to do but couldn't. He's gonna have to make Trestman say, Man i gotta get this guy on the field. Now having a guy like Smitty will help because he's gonna play a huge role in the offense this year and i'm sure Trestman will love what he brings, so next year he might be looking for that same type guy as you suggested.....

 

Wow while typing this I just saw scenarios where both Camp and Carter make the team, So i guess I do agree with you. haha Aiken while I like him, there is nothing really dynamic about him. If it comes down to a roster spot between he and say Carter, I could see the well rounded package of Carter winning over Aiken. That is of course if Carter is as impressive as everyone seems to think. 

[Purple_City39]

I guess I disagree with a lot of people.  First, I don't see how they keep 7 WRs.  After all the injuries in the secondary, there's no way they don't go into the season with as many as possible, just in case.

 

Second, Carter and Campanero will not both make the team.  Let's be honest, there's no way they both see the field.  Maybe one of them becomes the return man but at the same time, it could be Asa or some other player we haven't signed yet.

 

3rd, how are people big on Aiken and down on Brown?  Aiken was hot to start the season, Marlon was injured.  Marlon was hot to finish the season, Aiken was healthy.  Both finished with very similar numbers minus the TDs, but the guy that finishes strong (Marlon) almost always has the advantage going into the next season.  He'd have to flop completely.  Don't be surpised if he starts bye week 3.

[PurpleCity5]

I guess I disagree with a lot of people.  First, I don't see how they keep 7 WRs.  After all the injuries in the secondary, there's no way they don't go into the season with as many as possible, just in case.

 

Second, Carter and Campanero will not both make the team.  Let's be honest, there's no way they both see the field.  Maybe one of them becomes the return man but at the same time, it could be Asa or some other player we haven't signed yet.

 

3rd, how are people big on Aiken and down on Brown?  Aiken was hot to start the season, Marlon was injured.  Marlon was hot to finish the season, Aiken was healthy.  Both finished with very similar numbers minus the TDs, but the guy that finishes strong (Marlon) almost always has the advantage going into the next season.  He'd have to flop completely.  Don't be surpised if he starts bye week 3.

Our offense could use a slot guy and that's Campanero. He's a shifty WR with route runner and those kind of WRs that can give bigger CBs and Linebackers trouble. I do think Smith Sr. could enter the season as our slot, but Campanero is young and enters the season with promise. I think he's def. safe. 

[Ravensfan23]

3rd, how are people big on Aiken and down on Brown?  Aiken was hot to start the season, Marlon was injured.  Marlon was hot to finish the season, Aiken was healthy.  Both finished with very similar numbers minus the TDs, but the guy that finishes strong (Marlon) almost always has the advantage going into the next season.  He'd have to flop completely.  Don't be surpised if he starts bye week 3.

 

I think he'll be given every opportunity to start week 1 honestly. It' no knock to Smith Sr. but if the Ravens can find someone who can platoon with him and start to take over his role they'll be very pleased imo. I think Brown is that guy. Now of course Sr will still be listed as the starter and even if no named starter Perriman will be heavily involved, but I think Brown is the guy the coaches are looking to take that next big step. Despite his decline in numbers and play time, he actually improved last year and now in his 3rd NFL season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him break out at all imo. His body should be fully recovered from the injuries that hampered him his rookie year and early last year. Now we'll see that explosive big bodied physical WR that many has wanted for some time. 

 

I won't label him a #1 or #2 or whatever, but I think him and Perriman will make a great duo starting this year and I think it starts early. 

[Purple_City39]

Our offense could use a slot guy and that's Campanero. He's a shifty WR with route runner and those kind of WRs that can give bigger CBs and Linebackers trouble. I do think Smith Sr. could enter the season as our slot, but Campanero is young and enters the season with promise. I think he's def. safe. 

Honestly, I think the shifty slot receiver concept is an overrated one to me.  For all the hype Welker got over the years, New England won it all without him and he certainly wasn't the catalyst for Denver being good.

 

I do believe Campanero, or Carter, makes the team though.  Just one of them.  But unless Brown, Aiken, Waller, Worthy, and Butler all look like trash during OTAs and preseason, I don't see Campanero or Carter getting all that much playing time in this offense. 

[The Raven]

Honestly, I think the shifty slot receiver concept is an overrated one to me.  For all the hype Welker got over the years, New England won it all without him and he certainly wasn't the catalyst for Denver being good.

 

I do believe Campanero, or Carter, makes the team though.  Just one of them.  But unless Brown, Aiken, Waller, Worthy, and Butler all look like trash during OTAs and preseason, I don't see Campanero or Carter getting all that much playing time in this offense. 

 

Amendola and Edelman aren't shifty slot receiver types? Huh.

[January J]

I guess I disagree with a lot of people. First, I don't see how they keep 7 WRs. After all the injuries in the secondary, there's no way they don't go into the season with as many as possible, just in case.

Second, Carter and Campanero will not both make the team. Let's be honest, there's no way they both see the field. Maybe one of them becomes the return man but at the same time, it could be Asa or some other player we haven't signed yet.

3rd, how are people big on Aiken and down on Brown? Aiken was hot to start the season, Marlon was injured. Marlon was hot to finish the season, Aiken was healthy. Both finished with very similar numbers minus the TDs, but the guy that finishes strong (Marlon) almost always has the advantage going into the next season. He'd have to flop completely. Don't be surpised if he starts bye week 3.

I somewhat agree- but just bc the injury bug hit us at cornerback last year doesn't mean it can't hit us at wide reciever this year. I agree I don't think carter and camp both make the team - although I wouldn't rule anything out. I disagree with your assessment on Aiken - and I don't know how you figured marlon finished off the season stronger than Aiken? I didn't really see it that way- I saw Aiken coming up big for us all throughout the year with the minimal opportunities he had. However I don't blame marlon for not being as productive either bc he wasn't utilized nearly as much as he should have been. I see Aiken as a solid number 3 guy as it stands now- we"ll see how everything shakes out after camp. Somebody's gotta want it more - and I'm interested to see who really improves over this offseason and takes the next step- bc marlon and Aiken definitely have that opportunity infront of then. We can't keep em all- and like I said earlier we could use one of them as trade bait to tighten up other positions.

[Maryland]

I'm starting to think they'll keep one less WR than normal and one more TE than normal if Pitta thinks he can play. 

 

And Waller could be looked at as a combo WR/TE.

 

At any rate, I think there may be some surprise cuts at the end of preseason. 

[Ravensfan23]

I disagree with your assessment on Aiken - and I don't know how you figured marlon finished off the season stronger than Aiken? I didn't really see it that way- I saw Aiken coming up big for us all throughout the year with the minimal opportunities he had.

I gotta disagree with you on this one. During the last 5 games including the playoffs Aiken had a total of 4 catches for 36yds 2TDs. Brown in the same 5 games had 13 catches and 141 yards. He definitely finished the season stronger then Aiken imo. No matter if it's a opportunity thing or not, Brown certainly had a stronger finish. But i agree that Aiken came up big in his opportunities. 2 of his 4 catches were TDs.

[jazz1988]

I guess I disagree with a lot of people.  First, I don't see how they keep 7 WRs.  After all the injuries in the secondary, there's no way they don't go into the season with as many as possible, just in case.

 

Second, Carter and Campanero will not both make the team.  Let's be honest, there's no way they both see the field.  Maybe one of them becomes the return man but at the same time, it could be Asa or some other player we haven't signed yet.

 

3rd, how are people big on Aiken and down on Brown?  Aiken was hot to start the season, Marlon was injured.  Marlon was hot to finish the season, Aiken was healthy.  Both finished with very similar numbers minus the TDs, but the guy that finishes strong (Marlon) almost always has the advantage going into the next season.  He'd have to flop completely.  Don't be surpised if he starts bye week 3.

 

I don't see how Carter and Campanero  both can't make the team. Campanero more of a punt returner while Carter may add value as  a kick returner. I guess you say this because both of them are short but if they can play and play really well then why not add them to the team.  I don't know how good Carter can be and some have compared him to Andrew Hawkins and some think he resembles Steve Smith  but we shall see how he turns out in training camp.

[Purple_City39]

Amendola and Edelman aren't shifty slot receiver types? Huh.

One, that was specifically about Welker.

 

Two, come on, don't play that game.  Amendola had a whopping 200 on the season as was fortune enough to get to beat on a depleted Ravens secondary in the post season.  In the 2 non Baltimore games, he had 56 combined yards.  That's not a credit to your argument

 

Three, who else did New England have to put at WR over Edelman? Josh Boyce?  Aaron Dobson?

 

Fourth, I watched the the Pats plays us and the Seahawks.  Admittedly didn't pay hard attention to the Superbowl and just plain didn't watch the Championship game.  That said, neither Amendola nor Edelman did any damage to us as "shifty slot" receivers.  They took turns abusing Melvin on the outside left, hence Melvin giving up 200+ yards alone.  Edelman did damage on the right side against the Seahawks if I recall.  Either way, the Ravens game hurts your argument about the need for "shifty slot" receivers since NE didn't use them like that to beat us.

 

This is why the shifty slot receiver is overrated to me

[January J]

I gotta disagree with you on this one. During the last 5 games including the playoffs Aiken had a total of 4 catches for 36yds 2TDs. Brown in the same 5 games had 13 catches and 141 yards. He definitely finished the season stronger then Aiken imo. No matter if it's a opportunity thing or not, Brown certainly had a stronger finish. But i agree that Aiken came up big in his opportunities. 2 of his 4 catches were TDs.

I guess I didn't really notice bc most of his catches were all pretty spread out- I almost can't remember a single game he had over 3 catches. Also it's easy to remember Tds bc that's what wins games . And since marlon caught so many in his rookie year I guess it was just suprising to me that he didn't catch any all year. That said I like both of these guys- no need to compare them bc they are both ravens, and hopefully both make the team. Just like harbaugh I expect marlon to have a big year.

[Purple_City39]

I don't see how Carter and Campanero  both can't make the team. Campanero more of a punt returner while Carter may add value as  a kick returner. I guess you say this because both of them are short but if they can play and play really well then why not add them to the team.  I don't know how good Carter can be and some have compared him to Andrew Hawkins and some think he resembles Steve Smith  but we shall see how he turns out in training camp.

That's the thing, if their main value is return man, then there's definitely no way 2 roster spots go to return men only.  I'm saying this because I seriously doubt they both contribute much on offense so one of them just won't make it imo.  Especially when Webb and Jackson can both return punts as far as the coaches are concerned.  But as you said, we shall see

[sflegend89]

Camp reminds me of a young Amendola. Promising slot WR with playmaking ability but the question has always been if he can stay healthy.

[PurpleCity5]

Honestly, I think the shifty slot receiver concept is an overrated one to me. For all the hype Welker got over the years, New England won it all without him and he certainly wasn't the catalyst for Denver being good.

I do believe Campanero, or Carter, makes the team though. Just one of them. But unless Brown, Aiken, Waller, Worthy, and Butler all look like trash during OTAs and preseason, I don't see Campanero or Carter getting all that much playing time in this offense.

Yes, NE won it without Welker but Edleman took on that role and his play style is very similar to Welker as a slot WR. I def. see Camp beating out Butler and worthy. One thing for sure is that we're carrying 6 WRs.

Also I just don't imagine Camp being cut, Oz had to see something not only during and draft but before it to trade up for him. There must be plans for him.

Edited May 13, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[Maryland]

Yes, NE won it without Welker but Edleman took on that role and his play style is very similar to Welker as a slot WR. I def. see Camp beating out Butler and worthy. One thing for sure is that we're carrying 6 WRs.

Also I just don't imagine Camp being cut, Oz had to see something not only during and draft but before it to trade up for him. There must be plans for him.

I'm surprised the people on here aren't as high on Campanaro. I think he'll be our #3 WR next season. 

 

I think Aiken is closer to the bubble than Camp, but I see Aiken as a shoo-in on most of these lists. 

[Ravensfan23]

I guess I didn't really notice bc most of his catches were all pretty spread out- I almost can't remember a single game he had over 3 catches. Also it's easy to remember Tds bc that's what wins games . And since marlon caught so many in his rookie year I guess it was just suprising to me that he didn't catch any all year. That said I like both of these guys- no need to compare them bc they are both ravens, and hopefully both make the team. Just like harbaugh I expect marlon to have a big year.

Yea TDs are definitely more memorable then a 17 yard catch. Marlon had like 5 catches in the Patriot game but i can't honestly remember any of them but Aiken's lone catch was a TD so i clearly remember that. Here's a nice article on the impact that Marlon had down the stretch last season and to me it shows why Marlon is being looked at to have a big year. He's so consistent and a play maker when given a chance. That's exactly what we need opposite a dynamic WR(hopefully) like Perriman.

Also i heard something that didn't make much sense to me about Marlon's lack of TD production. Someone either said it wrote that Brown didn't have a single redzone target last year. After having such success in that area as a rookie you would think he'd be a favorite target down there. If that's true i definitely think it changes this year.

[Purple_City39]

Also i heard something that didn't make much sense to me about Marlon's lack of TD production. Someone either said it wrote that Brown didn't have a single redzone target last year. After having such success in that area as a rookie you would think he'd be a favorite target down there. If that's true i definitely think it changes this year.

It's more than likely true as he didn't seem to even be on the field during redzone and goal to go situations.  I recall yelling at my tv screen constantly when Joe would throw to 5'9 Smith Sr from 5 yards out while the 6'5 Brown was on the bench.  It was mind boggling

[Ravensfan23]

It's more than likely true as he didn't seem to even be on the field during redzone and goal to go situations.  I recall yelling at my tv screen constantly when Joe would throw to 5'9 Smith Sr from 5 yards out while the 6'5 Brown was on the bench.  It was mind boggling

 

Yea especially when consider how reliable Brown's hands are. I didn't have much about Kubes to complain about but that would definitely be one. I don't know if it was something that Kubes just wasn't seeing from Brown or what, but it seemed like he was the workhorse between the 20s and then Aiken and Gilmore would come in to close the door. Almost like Varsity Blues when Kilmer would use Wendell as the workhorse but never give him a chance to score inside the 10, minus the racism of course.

 

But I think that will definitely chance this year. From what i saw with the Bears, Trestman loves using his big targets in the redzone. 

[January J]

Yea TDs are definitely more memorable then a 17 yard catch. Marlon had like 5 catches in the Patriot game but i can't honestly remember any of them but Aiken's lone catch was a TD so i clearly remember that. Here's a nice article on the impact that Marlon had down the stretch last season and to me it shows why Marlon is being looked at to have a big year. He's so consistent and a play maker when given a chance. That's exactly what we need opposite a dynamic WR(hopefully) like Perriman.

Also i heard something that didn't make much sense to me about Marlon's lack of TD production. Someone either said it wrote that Brown didn't have a single redzone target last year. After having such success in that area as a rookie you would think he'd be a favorite target down there. If that's true i definitely think it changes this year.

agreed!

[baltimorefan328]

It's more than likely true as he didn't seem to even be on the field during redzone and goal to go situations.  I recall yelling at my tv screen constantly when Joe would throw to 5'9 Smith Sr from 5 yards out while the 6'5 Brown was on the bench.  It was mind boggling

100% I dont think there's any excuse now though. I'd love to see us line up on the goaline with Allen in the backfield, Gilmore and Boyle on the line. Williams split out wide and Waller on the other side. Thats a great pass catching running back then 6'6, 6'6, 6'4, and 6'4...And all of those guys have great hands. I know this leaves out Perriman and Brown so obviously there would be variations of this but if Boyle and Waller make the team there should literally be no excuse for the Ravens not scoring TDs in the redzone...I mean I cant think of another team that would have that much pure size in receiving threats

[SeaHawk]

Not gonna take a stab at this one, because it is literally throwing a dart at a dartboard while blindfolded, but anyone remember how we used to have huge problems at even finding a receiver beyond a guy like Boldin or Mason or Torrey who had any kind of big time potential? Now it seems we've done a total 180, and have too many guys who have loads of potential at the position. A great problem to have.

[January J]

Absolutely loved episode 3 of the wired rookie camp. Was great to see perriman and Waller working together. I know it's a real cleshay thing to say but I honestly can't remember being this excited for an upcoming season- and I've been a fan for a long time. The only time that comes close was after the 2011 season, the way it ended just left a really bad taste in my mouth and I knew for a fact we would be back for redemption. Now I feel the same way this year - except even more excited about our new additions , and the fact that we got so much younger will have us set for years to come. I am pumped!

[52liveforever]

Absolutely loved episode 3 of the wired rookie camp. Was great to see perriman and Waller working together. I know it's a real cleshay thing to say but I honestly can't remember being this excited for an upcoming season- and I've been a fan for a long time. The only time that comes close was after the 2011 season, the way it ended just left a really bad taste in my mouth and I knew for a fact we would be back for redemption. Now I feel the same way this year - except even more excited about our new additions , and the fact that we got so much younger will have us set for years to come. I am pumped!

 

I agree. I am trying to hold back my excitement for Perriman and Waller though what has been seen looks great, I really don't want to be disappointed. What would be nice is if they both just burst onto the scene and blow everyone away, but that is probably far too optimistic.

 

I see the WR depth chart playing out like this:

1. Breshad Perriman(It sounds like this is where they expect him to be)

2. Marlon Brown/Darren Waller/Kamar Aiken(this is going to be a dog fight)

3. Steve Smith Sr.(I believe they are going to decrease his role. Even though he is #3 in all actuality he's #1 when he's on the field.

4. Marlon Brown/Darren Waller/Kamar Aiken

5. Michael Campanaro

6. Marlon Brown/Darren Waller/Kamar Aiken

 

It's going to be fun to watch these guys fight it out. Steve Smith is the only lock

[757RavensFan]

With the update on Pitta's recovery, we may keep 4 TEs on the roster, If that's the case, we're only keeping 6 WRs. I can't see 23% of the 53 man roster being receivers.