Ravens 'Need to be Built' at WR: Positional Analysis
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens coach John Harbaugh admitted the team's most pressing need this offseason is to upgrade their wide receivers.
New offensive coordinator Todd Monken has a solid track record for boosting a passing attack but he will face one of his biggest challenges in Baltimore, especially with the uncertainty of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has yet to reach a contract extension.
The Ravens' passing game faced challenges early in the year and the loss of Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay to season-ending knee injuries created even more adversity.
Baltimore ranked 28th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA over the second half of the season. The Ravens also didn't have a wide receiver ranked in the top 75 in the NFL for receptions. DeMarcus Robinson is ranked 78th with 46 receptions for 434 yards with two touchdowns.
The team signed veterans Sammy Watkins (three catches for 119 yards) and DeSean Jackson (nine catches for 153 yards) during the season, but neither player had much of an impact.
The Ravens have tried to upgrade their wide receiver in the past several years.
They used a first-round pick in two of the last four drafts to select wideouts — Marquise Brown (2019) and Bateman (2021). Brown has since been traded to the Arizona Cardinals where he has continued his inconsistent career and Bateman had two injury-marred seasons, so the jury is still out on him.
The goal is to add more playmakers this year and let Monken develop a solid scheme.
The Verdict
Monken did well working with quarterbacks and developing an effective passing attack on the college and pro levels. As the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, Monken helped Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick set career highs in yards per attempt. In Cleveland, Monken helped Baker Mayfield throw for a career-high 3,827 passing yards in 2019. At Georgia, Stetson Bennett evolved from a walk-on to a legitimate Heisman candidate.
It's unclear whether Jackson will be playing for the Ravens next season, but the team will provide Monken with a solid play-caller to boost the passing attack one way or another because the team wants to reload not rebuild. Also, GM Eric DeCosta will add more talent at the wide receiver through free agency or the draft.
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