Ravens WR Nelson Agholor Provides Acrobatic Depth on Offense
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While new Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor may not be the most exciting pass-catcher currently on the team’s radar, he may be in position to help more than one might think.
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 — especially as the team navigates through its offseason workout program.
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.
The writing was on the wall for Agholor’s departure as his playing time dwindled down the stretch last season. He did not record a reception in the Patriots last three regular season games and played just four snaps in the season finale. During his final season with the Pats, Agholor caught just 31 passes for 362 yards and two 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. Should the Ravens be able to draw up situational opportunities for him to shine in this fashion, he will exhibit far greater production than he did with New England.
Judging from the pulse of Ravens Flock, the recent birthday-boy is rapidly impressing his teammates.
With Baltimore, Agholor will attempt to earn a notable spot among a talented, young core of wideouts including Odell Beckham Jr, Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche and highly-touted rookie Zay Flowers— a positional group in which he may provide veteran wisdom and experience.
Though the Ravens may still look to add help at the receiver position, Agholor’s skill and savvy may provide the team with significant depth, as well as notable potential.
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