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The Arizona Cardinals released former first round pick WR Michael Floyd on November 14. Floyd had been arrested for DUI just two days prior. The Notre Dame product is in the midst of a down year, with just 446 receiving yards and four touchdowns on the year. Despite the numbers, Floyd has been trending upward over the course of his career, having already achieved two 800-yard seasons as well as one 1000-yard season. So is he someone who the Ravens should attempt to add to the roster?
100% yes.
Floyd clearly comes with off field issues, but he fills a massive need for the Ravens. Floyd is a big bodied receiver who is capable of being a red zone threat. Floyd also provides big play potential, as over the corse of his career, he has averaged 15.5 yards per catch. Floyd makes tough catches over the middle and his able to pick up yards after the catch.
In college, Floyd was also used as a deep threat both outside and in the slot. Despite his six-foot three-inch frame, Floyd ran a 4.47 40 yard dash at his combine. While not high end elite speed, Flacco would love lobbing it up to Floyd down field.
Floyd also is a strong blocker. Overall, the Ravens wide receivers are not great blockers. Receivers are needed to help block outside on toss plays in order to help running backs get around the corner. The Ravens have struggled with that this season, and Floyd could help improve the group in this area.
The Ravens could even attempt to sign him long term. With Steve Smith likely to retire after this season, and Kamar Aiken’s free agency looming, the Ravens could very likely be without two key receivers to start the 2017 season. The Ravens will likely use most of their cap space to resign Brandon Williams and Ricky Wagner, making retaining Aiken more challenging. Floyd has never lived up to his potential, but he could very well could pass Aiken on the depth chart before the conclusion of the 2016 season.
Despite the off field concerns, Michael Floyd could provide a huge boost to the Ravens offense that is in need of a boost downfield. Floyd’s combination of size, speed and strength made him a top 15 pick in the 2012 draft, skills he still possesses now. The Ravens have a chance to largely improve their roster for the playoff push, an opportunity the team should take advantage of.