Even though his NFL career consists of just two games, Marlon Brown has quickly commandeered a place within the fantasy landscape. The 6’5” rookie has garnered six targets in each of those contests, while amassing eight receptions for 110 yards. He has also scored a TD in both games, which represents his most impressive accomplishment. Brown’s time on league waiver wires is about to conclude as a result of his numbers. Along with the likelihood that he will remain an integral part of Baltimore’s attack for the remainder of the year.
While his long frame presents Joe Flacco with a big target, that is hardly the extent of his attributes. Brown’s unexpected quickness enables him to depart the line rapidly, and gain separation from his defender. Plus, he is an adept route runner, who has no concerns about migrating through the middle of the field. Despite this favorable collection of strengths, Brown was not selected during last April’s NFL Draft. The torn ACL that he suffered last November was a factor. Particularly since the season ending issue merely added to the list of maladies that he dealt with during his tenure as a Georgia Bulldog (shoulder, torn tendon in finger, ankle sprain).
But he ultimately signed with the Ravens. And despite the undistinguished beginning to his career, Brown soared up the team’s depth chart during the summer. When Jacoby Jones suffered a sprained MCL during Baltimore's regular season opener, Brown promptly ascended into an unwavering role as the Ravens’ WR2. The rookie now has a tremendous opportunity to
fortify a passing attack that had lacked proficient weapons beyond Torrey Smith. Flacco has sometimes appeared unsettled amid the current state of his options, which have been depleted by the trade of Anquan Boldin, along with injuries to Jones and reliable TE Dennis Pitta.
But the aforementioned combination of size, strength and quickness should merge to make Brown a consistently productive target for Flacco. He already leads the team in TDs, has the third highest number of receptions, and is second among all Ravens in receiving yards. As the season progresses, Brown should garner a considerable amount of attention from Flacco, including a hefty percentage of the highly coveted red zone chances. That will further enhance his viability as an option for fantasy owners. Providing that you grab him while you can.
