Apr 13, 2023; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (M), head coach John Harbaugh (L), and executive vice president & general manager Eric DeCosta (R) pose with his jersey at his introduction press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
Ravens will rely on first round WRs to revive dismal passing attack
Re-signing Lamar Jackson was the focal point for the Ravens this offseason. An offense without their dual-threat quarterback wouldn’t produce results the franchise is familiar with. His skill set is one of a kind, which is why Eric DeCosta worked diligently to reach an agreement.
A five-year extension worth $185 million in guaranteed money ended an everlasting negotiation. DeCosta solidified his quarterback for the future, and Lamar received his desired deal. With contract discussions out of the way, the Ravens can focus on football. They’ve invested in new wide receivers that should make their starting quarterback even happier during the regular season.
Injuries and lack of depth caused issues in the Ravens’ passing attack
We’ve seen offensive schemes change within the last few years. Coordinators began implementing pass-first approaches. Their strategies include big plays to their big-time receivers. Unfortunately, Baltimore lacked that ability in 2022.
Gregg Roman’s depth chart lacked premier talent at the position. Demarcus Robinson and Devin Duvernay did their best to fill primary roles, but it did not get the job done. They averaged a 65.5 receiver rating last season, recording yards but lacking production.
Baltimore’s passing struggles were reflected in their offense’s grades for the season. They ranked 22nd in passing offense (63.1) – a spot lower than the previous year. Protecting the passer was not a part of the problem. Tyler Linderbaum helped his line rank second in pass blocking (79.6). Jackson and Huntley had time in the pocket, but there was nobody open. An explosive rushing attack (86.9) helped Baltimore reel in 10 wins. J.K. Dobbins and Kenyan Drake shared the backfield, combining for 1,064 yards.
Off-season acquisitions will give help the Ravens balance their offense
Mark Andrews’ effort kept the Ravens offense alive last season. He was the third most targeted tight end (119) and ranked 4th in receiving yards at the tight end position. His production is appreciated, but it was clear the Ravens need more help.
Eric DeCosta used the offseason to pick up weapons on the outside. His staff searched for receivers that could make an immediate impact. One of which was Odell Beckham Jr. His hiatus from the game ended when he signed a one-year $15 million deal. Beckham Jr. earned a 67.7 receiving grade in 2021. He recorded 537 yards in 435 pass snaps.
The NFL draft provided the Ravens another chance to snag an outside threat for Jackson. They drafted Zay Flowers with the 23rd pick in the first round. Speed and elusiveness are the rookie’s calling cards. He forced 41 missed tackles in four seasons at Boston College.
Adding depth to the receiver position will help Baltimore maintain a balanced offense in the upcoming season. The Ravens are loaded with receivers selected within the first round of the NFL Draft.
Now, Todd Monken’s unit will reap the fruits of a productive off-season. They continue to search for ways to improve, building depth as the official kick-off draws near. On Monday, the Ravens signed Laquon Treadwell – another former first-round receiver. The future looks bright for Jackson and Co., but we’ll just have to wait until the regular season.
