If there was a bright spot to the Baltimore Ravens’ worst season since 2007, it was the opportunity to gauge the 20-plus injury replacements who otherwise wouldn’t have played a down in 2015. Many of them flopped: They were the backups after all. Yet a few stood out, and those players will strengthen the roster even when the starters come back.
Let’s take a look at the standouts, how they succeeded and what their role could be in 2016.
Who do you think stood out? Discuss in the BSL forums here…
Kamar Aiken, WR
Though Kamar Aiken probably would have started regardless of injuries to Breshad Perriman and Steve Smith, Aiken’s emergence as a weapon was a direct result of the increased opportunities those injuries provided. It was a trial by fire for Aiken, who did not respond well to a starting role early in the season. Through three games, Aiken had 88 yards and a fumble. That was the extent of his production. Yet by the end of the season, Aiken had produced the 12th most single-season yards in franchise history.
He got there by improving more rapidly than anyone on the team. Early in the season, Aiken couldn’t get open and couldn’t make contested catches. As the season wore on, though, Aiken developed some craft to his route running, and more importantly, he became more confident in jump ball situations. Accordingly, Aiken went for 360 yards in his final four games: a 1,440 yard pace over 16 games.
Most importantly, Aiken has proven that he’s a viable starting receiver in this league. Though still not dynamic enough to carry an offense like Antonio Brown or even Steve Smith, Aiken has proven at minimum to be an above-average starter in the league. For a former practice squad player, that is quite the leap. And as a restricted free agent, the Ravens should have little trouble bringing Aiken back and keeping him a featured part of the passing attack.
Jeremy Butler, WR
Like Kamar Aiken, Jeremy Butler rose from obscurity to become a functional wide receiver this year. But while Kamar Aiken’s ascendency was linear, Jeremy Butler’s journey was more of a roller coaster. From the star of minicamp to training camp bust to a free agent to the practice squad to the active roster, Jeremy Butler took time to get going but when finally given a chance, he shined. And like Aiken, Butler saved his best performances for the final four games: 227 yards through those four games.
Butler was very impressive after the catch, showing good power in his 213-pound frame. His routes and hands were also impressive. Though not dynamic, Butler has proven he deserves a roster spot in the NFL. He looks like a fourth or fifth option and a quality special teamer for next years’ Ravens.
Ryan Jensen, OG
Of all the Ravens’ injury replacements on the offensive line, only one stood out: Ryan Jensen. He took a while to get going, struggling mightily in his first few starts, but by the end of the season, Jensen was an out and out stud, dominating Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Ravens’ final win.
I covered Jensen in depth in my last article, but here’s a quick summary. Jensen has a lot of work to do in pass protection, but the aggression and strength he showed in the ground game should make next year’s competition at guard fairly interesting if Kelechi Osemele does not return.
Shareece Wright, CB
This is the most baffling success story of the year. Shareece Wright has been a terrible cornerback throughout his career, so signing where defensive backs go to wither seemed like a recipe for disaster (Michael Huff, Matt Elam, Kyle Arrington and Kendrick Lewis are among the high-profile additions to fail in recent years). Yet Wright was excellent in Baltimore, playing solid coverage and not giving up big plays. In fact, as Wright’s role grew, the Ravens’ defense became more successful.
Whether or not Wright can maintain his high level of play next year is a huge question mark, but his emergence was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season defensively. He could challenge for a starting role next year if he comes back.
Za’Darius Smith, OLB
Watching rookie edge rusher Za’Darius Smith develop was one of the highlights of a forgettable season on defense. He struggled early, yet continued to develop throughout the season, especially in terms of shedding blocks. Smith became very effective at setting the edge, and he was the only edge rusher the Ravens’ had who could take some pressure off Elvis Dumervil.
Smith flashed a lot of promise, and his development through out the year should give some faith that Smith is ready to play a big role even with the return of Terrell Suggs and a presumed infusion of talent. Further, Smith’s emergence makes Courtney Upshaw very expendable.
There were a few guys who deserve mention, but may not quite fit the bill as “stand outs.”
Javorius Allen had his moments, but he really only stood out in the passing game. Allen is dynamic in the open field and catches the ball in stride very well. His vision and power, though, are hit or miss, so I did not think he warranted being mentioned in the same breath as the above standouts.
Ryan Mallet was the best of the Ravens’ three injury replacements, which made him below average overall. A promising debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers gave way to a mediocre performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Though Mallet is probably the front runner for the Ravens’ backup job next year, he is not a sure thing by any means.
John Urschel struggled as a center. He needs to get his snaps in order before he can be considered anything other than a guard.
Despite Maxx Williams‘ exciting future, his present was pedestrian. Solid, but pedestrian. He flashed so much big play ability in college that his solid, unspectacular rookie year was a disappointment to most fans.
Shawn began his writing career with Bleacher Report as a Ravens featured columnist and Breaking News Team writer. He moved on to write for Yahoo! and work on the Ravens Central Radio podcast. Most recently, he was an Editor at the Baltimore Wire. Shawn is a 2013 graduate of the Catholic University of America.