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The Baltimore Ravens are fairly thin at wide receiver, and as a result, they need to be prepared to address the position in next month's NFL draft.
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported (per NFL Network) that they are indeed getting ready for that possibility, having set up a visit with former Washington wide out John Ross:
Ravens have a pre-draft visit set up with Washington WR John Ross, according to the NFL Network. Baltimore will... https://t.co/r5WaouxyR6
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 21, 2017
Hensley speculated that Baltimore is likely to look into Ross’ shoulder, which was recently surgically repaired. Apart from injury concerns, the Ravens would be wise to look into drafting the dynamic pass catcher with their 16th overall pick.
While his skill set is somewhat similar to the top two options they already have at the position, he is more polished than Breshad Perriman, and more physically gifted than Mike Wallace at this point in his career. The former is evidenced by his electrifying game tape, and the latter by his record setting 4.22 forty yard dash at the scouting combine showcase.
What makes this visit especially interesting is the aforementioned lack of depth at the position. Former number one receiver Steve Smith Sr. retired earlier this offseason, and Kamar Aiken, 2015’s go-to target, just departed for Indianapolis to catch passes from Andrew Luck. For many, this makes the two parties a perfect match, and several recent mock draft’s have slotted Ross to the Ravens in the first round.
Whether it is Ross they select, or another impact receiver, Baltimore can't afford to continuously neglect this position after some of Joe Flacco’s recent struggles. The team’s longtime franchise signal caller would likely be ecstatic to have a talent like Ross to throw to for many years to come.