Wide receiver is certainly not a position of need for the Ravens this year. They have a core three they’ve been building around (Hollywood Brown, Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay) who are all young and explosive. James Proche is in the mix at times as well, and he may be the fastest of them all.
But as we know, if the team’s top available prospect doesn’t play a position of need, the Ravens may still take them. Consider last year: the Ravens were so deep at corner that they traded one of their draft picks, Shaun Wade, before he could even contribute to the team. They ended the year, shall we say, depleted at that very position.
You never know what course injuries will take your team on. The best way to guard against the adversity of injuries and quality of opponents is to get the best players you can on your team and put them in position to make plays, even if it seems unconventional on the surface.
Here are four players that would enhance the Ravens wide receiver unit and make their offense even more powerful.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 189 pounds
2021 stats: 79 receptions, 1,572 yards, 19.9 ypr, 15 TD
Key traits: Electric. A true game-breaker. His best ability is taking the top off the defense. Instant acceleration. Good route runner. Gets past defenders with ease at times, both on short and deep passes. Most players with his speed don’t have his frame. To average 20 yards per reception on the number of targets he got in the SEC is extremely rare.
Ideal position: Z receiver
Potential draft spot: Top 20 overall
Why he’d be a good fit: Williams would give the Ravens receiver core some key height while also maintaining their core trait of speed. On top of that, Williams has displayed some impressive tackles as a gunner on the punt team.
Cool side note: Missouri state high school record holder for 300-meter hurdles
Bottom line: Drafting Williams would be a luxury, but if he’s available at 14, its possible he’s the best player available.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 192 pounds
2021 stats: 70 receptions, 1,058 yards, 15.1 ypr, 12 TD
Key traits: One of the best overall receivers in this draft. A strong hands catcher with a plus catch radius. Can win his release regardless of formation (i.e., he doesn’t need to be “schemed” open). Snaps off his routes with sudden effect. Runs routes keeping defensive backs honest, not giving them a tip as to where he’s going to break. Tough to bring down.
Ideal position: Any wide receiver alignment
Potential draft spot: Middle to late 1st round
Why he’d be a good fit: A dynamic, reliable option for Lamar Jackson is something I’m sure Eric DeCosta will consider.
Cool side note: Garnered Division I offers in basketball as well as football
Bottom line: Wilson has a lot to offer any team, and while he may not end up as a Raven, he would be a good addition to a receiving core that has been in the process of being revamped for a couple of years now.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 188 pounds
2021 stats: 65 receptions, 936 yards, 14.4 ypr, 13 TD
Key traits: Beyond his years. Smooth. Can run routes from any wide receiver position, as well as from behind the line of scrimmage.
Ideal position: Any wide receiver alignment
Potential draft spot: Middle to late 1st round
Why he’d be a good fit: Olave’s versatility and catch rate match exactly what the Ravens do and desire, respectively. Really good concentration on deep balls and passes on the sideline. Not a lot to dislike with him. His numbers could’ve been doubled if Ohio State wasn’t so stacked on offense. Figures to be a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s like his teammate Garrett Wilson, but I like Olave a bit more.
Cool side note: Scored 32 touchdowns in 33 games after his freshman year.
Bottom line: Olave has been the go-to guy at Ohio State for a few years, which is saying something considering how deep they are at wideout. That should tell you how good of a prospect he is.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 184 pounds
2021 stats: 91 receptions, 1,182 yards, 13.0 ypr, 12 TD
Key traits: Has multiple gears when running routes. Can look like he’s running fast but he can be setting you up to “take off or break off.” In other words, he uses his tempo as a weapon. Knows weaknesses to coverages and presents a good target for his quarterback. Shows good composure in tight spaces and can torque his body to stay upright when it seems like he’s about to be tackled. Shows a lot of versatility as he can be used on reverses, wildcat runs, passes, etc. He really opens up the offensive playbook.
Ideal position: Z receiver
Potential draft spot: Late 1st round
Why he’d be a good fit: Dotson has the athleticism and versatility Greg Roman likes in his skill players. Adding him to the Ravens offense would be adding another dimension to an already potent unit.
Cool side note: Ranks in the Top 4 all-time in Penn State history in receptions (3rd), receiving yards (4th), and receiving touchdowns (4th).
Bottom line: If the Ravens can get a tackle in Round 1 and then trade up for Dotson, I say do it. I don’t think he will be available at 45, but if he is, that would make adding him even more tempting.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.