Ravens Training Camp: Nelson Agholor A Standout?
Baltimore Ravens receiver Nelson Agholor may not be the highest-profile pass catcher on the team’s roster. However, he may be in position to make an impact sooner than many had expected.
As the Ravens continue their installation of new coordinator Todd Monken’s offense, Agholor is beginning to open some eyes with strong practice performances. In fact, CBS Sports noted that the eight-year veteran was particularly impressive during Baltimore’s sixth session on Tuesday while matched up with cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
“Agholor had his second straight productive afternoon, wrote CBS Sports. “He matched up with Marlon Humphrey during 1-on-1 drills and made his presence felt. On one play, Agholor tripped before making a contested catch against the Ravens' No. 1 corner. On another, he beat Humphrey down the field, but an underthrow allowed Humphrey to recover and knock the ball away.
Baltimore agreed to a one-year deal with Agholor in late March. The eight-year veteran now joins the Ravens, having compiled 4,246 yards on 340 catches with 31 touchdowns throughout five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, one with the Las Vegas Raiders and two with the New England Patriots.
Though his resume may do little to inject excitement across the fanbase, a fresh start in Charm City may be exactly what he needs to reignite his career. Agholor’s best season came in 2020 as a member of the Raiders, in which he set career-highs in receiving yards (896) and yards-per-reception with 18.7. In fact, the former USC Trojan parlayed his performance into a two-year, $22 million contract with the Patriots in the 2021 offseason.
Despite being brought in to serve as the team’s top perimeter receiver, Agholor was never able to find his footing in New England. Although he would contribute the occasional aesthetically-pleasing play, ball security would continue to plague him, having been credited with four dropped passes and two fumbles during his Patriots’ tenure. In two seasons in New England, Agholor recorded just 68 catches for 835 yards and five touchdowns.
Still, Agholor has plenty left in the tank to be a solid option for coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson for the Ravens offense in 2023. At his best, the 30-year-old uses his speed and ability to get open over the top on vertical routes, regularly finding separation from his opponents.
With 2022 first-rounder Rashod Bateman continuing to work his way back from a Lisfranc injury, the Ravens will need a receiver to complement Odell Beckham, Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers. Should the Ravens be able to draw up situational opportunities for him to shine in this fashion, he will provide Baltimore with everything they need and more.
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