Ravens News 6/28: Head coach rankings, Dixon a sleeper and more

Ravens Rookie Receivers Showed Their Playmaking Potential - Ryan Mink

Fourth-round rookie Jaleel Scott and fifth-round selection Jordan Lasley flashed at various times during practice this spring and early summer and have momentum rolling into training camp.

“We threw a lot at these guys early on, so heads were spinning a little bit,” Wide Receivers Coach Bobby Engram said. “But once they got comfortable in the playbook, you see their natural abilities take over. … Both of those guys bring a level of playmaking to the team that we enjoy.”

Scott’s finest day was during Organized Team Activities when he caught several jump-balls in the end zone and a nice back-shoulder touchdown, showing off his potential as a big-bodied red-zone threat.

“Jordan is playing fast, he’s great with the ball in his hands after the catch,” Engram said. “Jaleel has really good hands; he’s learning how to continue to refine his route-running.”

If one of the Day 3 rookie receivers pan out, it should be considered a success. The Ravens have not drafted a bonafide starting receiver after the second round since Brandon Stokley in 1999.

2018 NFL coach rankings: Bill Belichick and then ... - Elliot Harrison

5) John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

For whatever reason, Harbaugh is never mentioned among the NFL’s elite head coaches. While the Ravens haven’t enjoyed a ton of success over the past three seasons, mitigating circumstances have played a huge role. Massive injuries derailed the 2016 campaign, and yet Baltimore might have taken the division if it weren’t for an Immaculate Extension on Christmas. Last season, the Ravens were again beset by scores of injuries -- starting with the season-ender to all-world guard Marshal Yanda -- but still would’ve made the postseason field if it wasn’t for that meddling Andy Dalton.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was rated one spot ahead of Harbaugh. Harbaugh’s career .588 career winning percentage ranks 7th among active head coaches and his 10 postseason victories is tied for third most.

Very Deep Sleeper: RB Kenneth Dixon (Fantasy Football) - Fantasy Pros

Dixon is a very shifty, instinctive runner – a four-year stud starter for Louisiana Tech, and one-time #1 in NCAA history in total TDs (until Navy QB Keenan Reynolds broke the record soon after). Dixon has that X-factor where his vision and shifty feet come together to make him a dangerous between-the-tackles runner…

Where Dixon really shines is in the passing game…a virtual wide receiver playing running back. Dixon is money on swings, screens, and bubble passes, but he’ll also work intermediate and deep routes. One example of where you can see the Ravens knowing what they have here – in Week 13 of his rookie season with Baltimore, he caught eight passes on 11 targets for 42 yards and a score working out of the backfield/all over the field.

The author believes Kenneth Dixon will be the starting tailback in 2018. At a minimum, he should challenge Javorius Allen for touches.