Ravens Draft: Another Wide Receiver On The Board?
The Baltimore Ravens prioritized improving the receiver position last offseason by drafting Zay Flowers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and signing Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor to one-year deals last offseason.
Those investments paid huge dividends, as Lamar Jackson went on to win the second MVP of his career. Will the Ravens take a similar approach this offseason to adding more weapons for Jackson?
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The Ravens' team website broke down the possibility of Baltimore making more big moves to improve its receiving room this offseason. While it said keeping that position a strength will be a 'high priority,' the Ravens site also said to expect more of a "refresh" than a rebuild with their receivers this offseason.
The site also noted it's more likely for Baltimore to add a receiver through the draft than signing one in free agency, as the Ravens are currently projected to have just over $5 million in cap space and players like linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike being pending free agents.
"I expect Baltimore to keep refueling this room with rookie talent," the Ravens website writes. "Eric DeCosta has drafted a wide receiver in the first round in three of his five drafts as general manager. Considering the bigger needs at other positions, that trend is unlikely to continue this year, but I also wouldn't rule it out. Either way, expect a wide receiver to be drafted sometime in the earlier rounds."
With Agholor, OBJ and Devin Duvernay set to hit free agency, replenishing the receiver room with young talent through the draft is an underrated need for the Ravens. If the Ravens are going to keep pace with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, they need to sustain their regular season success on offense in the postseason.
Adding a receiver in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft who can contribute right away will go a long way toward keeping their offense among the NFL's best next season and help position Jackson to have another great season and potentially exorcise his playoff demons.
