Darkhorse Breakout Player: Offense Edition

Every offseason there are names thrown around of who will be a breakout player on the Ravens. This year, the trending player is wide receiver Breshad Perriman, almost by default. Over the next couple of days, I will be examining all three phases of the game, and determine who could be a breakout player whose name isn’t tossed around as much for each. The defense was yesterday, and today is the offense.

Kamar Aiken was a breakout player last year for the Ravens in the absence of Steve Smith and Breshad Perriman. Steve Smith is a pretty established player in the league, and as a result, Breshad Perriman is a trendy pick for a breakout player. But this is a dark horse breakout player, and for me, it’s Chris Moore.

Mike Wallace has a similar skill set to Moore, but Moore is bigger and stronger. Wallace has not seen much success since he left the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013. When signing with the Ravens, Wallace took a shot at his former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, indirectly saying that Bridgewater isn't good enough. But it begs the question, is it really the quarterback? Teddy Bridgewater is an up and coming player in the league while Wallace is trending the opposite way. I don't think Wallace putting all the blame on Bridgewater is fair. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Wallace’s struggles continue in Baltimore.

If Wallace struggles, Moore would get many more snaps, and Moore will take advantage. When watching Chris Moore’s tape, I keep thinking that I am watching Torrey Smith (Chris Moore highlights: watch.0.html ). Moore has the same speed as Smith, as well as the physicality. Wallace is not a player who can go up and get it the Moore can. Moore averaged more than 20 yards per reception in his senior year at Cincinnati. That level of production will serve him well at the next level.

It would be hard to expect  Moore to have numbers like Torrey Smith did his rookie year, but that doesn't mean Moore can't burst onto the scene in his rookie campaign. He will likely carve out a consistent role for himself in the offense, and possibly contend for a starting spot come to the end of the year. For a fourth round rookie, any production in the first season is a big deal, and it wouldn't surprise me to see Moore put up numbers that would put him in the realm of a flex play in fantasy. His strength on top of his play making ability makes him a very appealing option for John Harbaugh. All indications point to the coaching staff loving what they have seen from Moore so far.

My prediction for Moore is 475-500 yards and five touchdowns. It's not a pro bowl type season and it probably isn't a rookie of the year type season, but it is enough to firmly and boldly put Chris Moore’s name on the map.