:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47328584/GettyImages-153401766.0.jpg)
In a response to the injuries sustained by both Michael Campanaro and Steve Smith, Sr. this Thursday, the Ravens brought on a new receiver by way of St. Louis. The team needed a competent receiver badly even before these injuries occurred, so Givens could potentially be a saving grace for the Ravens.
Here's the good news. If you were wanting for the team to finally get a deep threat, your prayers have been answered. It's his best attribute. It also helps that Givens might just be the Ravens most talented healthy receiver now.
For more info on this intriguing prospect, let's dive in to what Chris Givens can do for your favorite team.
The Stats
- Height: 6 ft
- Weight: 203 lb
- College: Wake Forest
- Drafted: 2012 NFL Draft, 4th Round, 96th Overall
- Salary: $1.179 million, $124,257 cap hit
| Ht | Wt | Arm length | Hand size | 40-yd dash | 10-yd split | 20-yd split | 20-ss | 3-cone | Vert | Broad | BP | Wonderlic | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 11 in | 198 lb | 31 1/4 in | 8 1/4 in | 4.41 s | 1.52 s | 2.51 s | 4.23 s | 6.97 s | 33½ in | 9 ft 10 in | 19 reps | x | |||||||
| Values from NFL Combine [12] |
|||||||||||||||||||
The Tape
His first NFL catch, defended by Richard Sherman.
His first NFL touchdown.
This is more recent, from this year's preseason.
Givens going up the ladder.
He made Shaun Hill look good.
The Intangibles
The most important part. There is no doubt that Givens has wicked straight-line speed, and is an absolute burner. You don't need to be a pro to know that. But for the whole story, we must talk to those who have come to know Givens over the course of three plus seasons. That would be the fans, and I got to talk to one of the best representatives of the St. Louis Rams, none other than 3k of Turf Show Times.
Here is what 3k had to say about the Rams' departed receiver.
The first thing Chris Givens brings to the table is speed. Straight-line, top-end speed. He flashed it as soon as he got to St. Louis in 2012 when he caught a 50- yard receptions in weeks 4-8 of his rookie season. Since that rookie debut...things began to fizzle out. He wasn't able to add anything to his game in 2013 and with Tavon Austin on board, as well as a developing Brian Quick and a free agent hit in Kenny Britt along with Jared Cook acting as a target sponge at TE, Givens' opportunities thinned out. Quickly. He didn't make much of an impact at all in 2014; honestly, I was a bit surprised to see him make it through the roster cuts. If anything, there's hopes that the Rams simply misused him from 2013 on or that the depth chart got mismanaged in front of him and that a change of scenery (and coaching staff) is exactly what he needs to resuscitate his career.
Can he be a legitimate deep threat? Absolutely. Could he be a WR1/2? It's tough to say since he was never really pressed into that role for an extended period with quality play at QB. With Flacco at the helm and Trestman running the offense, Givens at least will be in stronger supporting surroundings than he has been in his career. So there's reason to be hopeful that you guys got a steal.
3k's thoughts and sentiments seem to be pretty consistent throughout the fanbase. Many think that Givens has the talent, but was riddled by poor quarterback play and was outshined by fellow receivers. Quite a few Rams fans believe that Givens will have more success under a more competent QB and staff, and almost all of them wished Givens well on his new team.
The best part of this all according to Rams fans? This deal was a steal for the Ravens in their eyes.
While Givens may never be a possession receiver, or a top receiving option, that's okay. It's not the role the Ravens need him to play. If he can fill that Torrey Smith role and stretch the field, the Ravens passing attack may be rejuvenated.