Openthread: Who will lead the Ravens in receiving yards?

Usually, it’s easy to measure a team from season-to-season based on previous production. As players develop, they perform better until they plateau and fall from their prime. This story is as old as time because the story is time itself. Unfortunately, we cannot gauge the Baltimore Ravens offense on previous production as the offense experienced such an overhaul in 2019.

Baltimore cut their two top-scoring wide receivers, drafted two pass catchers in the top of the NFL Draft, signed two more receivers in free agency and, most importantly, cut their former franchise quarterback, Joe Flacco, who produced 67% of the passing yards in 2018. With all of this change, it’s really a crapshoot for our question of the day.

Who will lead the Ravens in receiving yards?

Though the exciting addition of Marquise Brown is surely a strong candidate for this title, I’m going with Willie Snead IV.

The second-year Raven is one of few pass-catchers coming back in 2019 to join Lamar Jackson. He has chemistry with the sophomore quarterback and his role will only expand with the playmakers surrounding him. Hollywood is going to draw serious attention with his speed and agility, while Miles Boykin, Chris Moore and others will force cornerbacks to stay true in their coverage on the opposite side. The tight end combination of Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews keeps the middle of the field less crowded, where Snead can eat up yards after the catch.

While Snead only produced 201 of his 651 receiving yards total with Lamar Jackson, I’m confident the change in scheme and new additions will keep him in his 650-900 yard range. Snead is a highly-talented slot receiver with a toughness many can’t match. We watched last season as Willie imposed his will with tough catches across the middle while breaking or dodging tackles frequently. When Jackson delivers the football, Snead delivers chain-moving plays.