There are numerous routes the Ravens could take to bolster their receiving corps for the 2014-2015 season. Big time free agents such as Jordy Nelson and Hakeem Nicks are set to test free agency. While the Ravens have a history of signing a veteran wide receiver (Derrick Mason & Anquan Boldin), I see them straying away from the norm and drafting a weapon in the first or second round. Sammy Watkins of Clemson, Marquise Lee of USC, Kelvin Benjamin of Florida State, and Mike Evans of Texas A&M are all getting first round grades. Watkins will most likely be drafted somewhere in the top 15 picks, leaving Lee, Benjamin, and Evans left. Of these three, Kelvin Benjamin is the most intriguing.
Kelvin Benjamin is a 6'5" 234 pound monster and has uncanny speed for his size.
Kelvin Benjamin
- 6'5"
- 234 pounds
- Projected Round: 1st or 2nd
Kelvin Benjamin is a 6'5" 234 pound monster and has uncanny speed for his size. Look for Benjamin to clock in a 4.50 40 at this years combine. At Florida State, he was privileged by having E.J. Manuel of the Buffalo Bills and this year's Heisman Jameis Winston throwing to him. He has also been in a pro-style offense for his two years at Florida State University. This year, Benjamin hauled in 54 grabs for 1011 yards and 15 Touchdowns. Benjamin also caught the game winner in this years BCS National Championship. He is a serious red zone and 3rd down target the Ravens severely missed. Benjamin's strongest asset is being able to out-jump smaller corners and go and get the ball at it's highest point. Keep in mind he was splitting catches between two other NFL prospects in Rashad Greene and Kenny Shaw. Playing against rivals Florida Gators this year, Benjamin hauled in 9 catches for 212 yards and 3 scores. Yes, the Gators had a down year, but their corners were their strength. The knock on Kelvin is that he is inexperienced, as he only has two years of college ball under his belt. I reverse this argument by saying he is fresh and has many miles left on the tires. One area he will need to improve is his route running. Gary Kubiak, the Ravens new offensive coordinator would be salivating to teach this raw athlete the ropes, and I just can't see the Ravens passing him up if he's still on the board. With a burner in Torrey Smith on one side, and a monster like Benjamin on the other, opposing defenses would truly have their hands full.