For years the Ravens have struggled to find a consistent passing game. With Joe Flacco in place, an immediate need for the future is the wide receiver position opposite of Torrey Smith. Luckily for the Ravens, this year’s NFL draft has more wide receiver star power than many drafts in the past. The Ravens have been linked to multiple receivers. I’m going to take a look at some of the possible draft prospects.
Mike Evans - The big bodied former basketball player from Texas A&M University had two great seasons catching passes from Johnny football. Lacking great speed, Evans makes up for it with his 6’5 225 pound frame and his ability to separate from the receiver while the ball is in the air. He is an obvious fit for the Ravens, as they were unable to fill the void left by physical receiver Anquan Boldin last year. The Ravens will have to get through to Evans however, as Evans showed immaturity on the field last year when the ball was not going his way.
Kelvin Benjamin - Known as the receiver who caught the winning pass in the National Title game, this Florida State Seminole has had the knack to make the big catch in any game. Like Evans, Benjamin also possesses the big body frame, at 6’5 235. Kelvin has decent speed but would be relied more as a big framed pass catcher for Joe Flacco, rather than a downfield threat. I think at the 17th overall pick, Benjamin may be a bit of a stretch. I project Benjamin to go in the early second round.
Marquis Lee - The USC standout had his draft stock hurt by a poor injury filled year. In Lee’s sophomore year he was a Heisman finalist and could have been a top 5 pick if he was draft eligible. Lee is a playmaker, a 6’ 195 pound athlete has the ability to make plays after the catch, as well as spread the defense with the vertical threat. A drafting of Lee, would mean the departure of Jacoby Jones, as Lee would step in as the Kick Returner. I would be surprised to see the ravens draft Lee, I see to much similarity to Jones in this pick.
Michael Campanaro - The local product out of River Hill high school, via Wake Forest, is an intriguing prospect for the Ravens. A likely third day pick would give the Ravens a weapon they have not had in the Joe Flacco era. The Wes Welker slot receiver mold has been so successful in the passing game around the league, this pick would allow the Ravens to try and develop their own short passing game. While the story would be great for the Clarksville native, he must first try to stay healthy, as he has fought multiple injuries throughout his whole career.