Ravens News 3/1: WR Situation and more

2021 NFL offseason: All 32 teams’ WR situations ahead of free agency, draft - Cynthia Frelund

Baltimore Ravens

Top three WRs in 2020: Marquise Brown (58-769-8), Willie Snead (33-432-3 — UFA), Devin Duvernay (20-201-0).

The Ravens’ wideouts hauled in the fewest receptions (137) for the fewest receiving yards (1,729) as a position group last season. It follows that they also had the fewest receptions of 10-plus air yards (41) and the fewest such touchdowns (14), per NGS. However, they managed to have the most cushion (that is, space to work with) in the NFL, with 6.8 yards, per NGS. These results do reflect their strategy; the Ravens’ pay-calling wasn’t aimed at deep attempts as often as other clubs’ play-calling was. Tight end Mark Andrews’ mid-season stay on the reserve/COVID-19 list also impacted the overall passing game. That said, in order for the weapons on this offense to be maximized, ramping up the threat of the pass would go a long way. Part of the reason the receivers had so much cushion was that opposing defenses were more focused on attacking the higher-probability event of a run. Given what the roster projects to look like right now, adding to the receiving corps seems to be the highest-value return on investment for the Ravens, in terms of win-share increase.

2021 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 10 WR prospects - Anthony Treash

ELIJAH MOORE, OLE MISS: BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Ravens need a true “X” receiver, but they also need a new face to man the slot. So, it makes all the sense in the world for them to go all-in on one of the free-agent wideouts to be that WR1 and then pick up Moore to man the slot in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson sees more zone coverage than anyone, given the lethal threat he poses as a runner, and he attacks the middle of the field at an incredibly high rate. Enter Moore, who has an excellent feel against zone coverage. To quote PFF’s 2021 NFL Draft Guide, he is “tough as nails” and willing to make plays over the middle of the field.

Moore ranked in the top three among Power 5 receivers in both yards per route run (3.87) and receiving grade against zone looks this past season. He’s quick, has broken 31 tackles on 153 receptions since 2019 and has caught 20-of-33 contested catches over those last two years.

Marcus Peters Has Been NFL’s Most Dominant Cornerback Since 2015 - Todd Karpovich

“We have a great relationship, but really, I like him, and I love him,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I just really think he’s genuine. He’s as authentic as it gets, and that’s what you appreciate about anybody, especially someone like Marcus. He has a heart of gold. It really matters to him. He really cares, and I think it shows. He’s an emotional guy, [there’s] no question about that. Like all of us, he works to be the best he can be.”

“Man, those guys are shutting half of the field down,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said about Humprey and Peters. “They’re great at covering guys when the quarterback has time to throw. When the quarterback is making moves, they pass through their guys very well. They’re just all-around great corners, and it helps my job. They make my job a lot easier going into the games.

“They’re very smart. They can trap you – make you think someone’s open, just baiting you up for them to jump it and then pick the ball off. Stuff like that. They’re amazing out there.”

3 Defensive Free Agents Ravens Should Target - Trevor Sikkema

MALIK HOOKER, S, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Projected AAV: $2-3 million

Hooker is not that far removed from being the No. 15 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. But injuries have plagued not only his playing availability, but also his ability when back out on the field. Most recently, he tore his Achilles at the beginning of the 2020 season and missed all but two games. Coming out of Ohio State, he showed rare range as a free safety that could give a defense the ability to play single-high looks in almost any situation. The injury history is why he could be had at a bargain. If you can trust the health, this could be a good gamble.

3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft - Matthew Valdovinos

27. Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State

The Ravens have options here, but the edge rusher class’ depth is enough to warrant taking Wyatt Davis here. The Ravens need a guard, and Davis is one of the top players at the position.

An impactful run blocker with a stout anchor and natural hands, Davis makes sense to have to pave the way for Lamar Jackson and former teammate J.K. Dobbins. Baltimore knows they can still get an impactful pass rusher and receiver on Day 2 and elect to take Davis here.

58. Baltimore Ravens

Patrick Jones, EDGE, PITT

104. Baltimore Ravens

Marlon Tuipulotu, DL, USC