Ravens 2016 positional grades: Wide Receivers

Now that the season is over, it’s time to give out overall grades for each individual player on the roster. Quarterbacks, running backs and fullbacks were all combined into one post, check it out here if you missed it. Now, we turn to wide receivers.

Steve Smith Sr.: B+

Smith Sr. didn’t have a great last game, but he was huge for the Ravens down the stretch. Smith was extremely reliable for Joe Flacco in the penultimate Christmas Day loss to the Steelers, as he hauled in a touchdown on a great pass from Flacco. Smith had seven catches for 79 yards in that game. The week before, Smith hauled in a long pass for a touchdown right before halftime to give the Ravens the lead and the momentum. Smith had 111 yards and a touchdown as part of a valiant effort in a loss to the Raiders. Smith also had nearly 100 yards against the Cowboys. Smith’s brand of physicality brought a much needed edge to the Ravens, and the veteran always made the plays the Ravens needed in the biggest moments.

Mike Wallace: A-

Wallace had one of the best years of his career, hauling in 72 catches for 1,017 yards. Wallace provided the longest passing touchdown in Ravens history with his 95 yard catch and run against the Steelers in Week 9. Wallace’s speed often stretched out defenses which opened up space for the short passes Marty Mornhinweg loves so much. Wallace consistently provided big plays for the Ravens, as he had a career resurgence in Baltimore.

Breshad Perriman: C+

Perriman made multiple huge plays for the Ravens, showing flashes of his incredible potential. The former first round pick started off the year with a bang as he hauled in an incredible catch on the sideline against the Bills. Perriman had a streak in the middle of the season where he had three touchdowns in four games. Two of which came via incredible catches in the end zone, and the other a long catch and run against the Dolphins. However, there were period this season where Perriman just disappeared. Perriman’s highest catch total in a game was four, and that game in the meaningless Week 17 game at Cincinnati. Perriman had one or no catches in five games this season. The UCF product played in a boom or bust role this season, but when he had the ball in his hands, there was always excitement. Perriman will be a very popular breakout candidate next season.

Kamar Aiken: D+

Aiken went from the leading receiver on the Ravens to just having 29 receptions for 328 yards. Like Perriman, Aiken had moments where he disappeared. The difference was, Aiken disappeared in the biggest moments. Aiken had a total of one catch in the Ravens trips to Foxboro and Pittsburgh. Aiken only had one touchdown on the year, and is now likely to look for a change in scenery this offseason.

Chris Moore: C

Moore had almost no value as a wide receiver, but provided huge contributions on special teams. Moore recovered a blocked punt for a fumble in two straight games (at Jets, vs. Steelers). Moore also took on the kick return duties once the Ravens cut Devin Hester.

Michael Campanaro: B-

Campanaro missed most of the season, but was fantastic when on the field. Campanaro had a 39 yard run on an end around against the Eagles. Campanaro didn’t actually have a reception on the year, but had three carries for 72 yards. In addition to the run against the Eagles, the River Hill High School product had a 23 yard run against the Steelers, and a 10 yard run against the Bengals. When healthy, Campanaro is a playmaker with the ball in his hands.

Chris Matthews, Kaelin Clay and Keenan Reynolds: N/A

Keep an eye out for offensive linemen coming next.