How the Ravens See Their Need for Wide Receivers and Potential Draft Picks

The Baltimore Ravens, a team historically known for their stout defense and strong running game, have made significant efforts in recent years to diversify their offense. As the NFL has increasingly become a pass-heavy league, the Ravens have recognized the need to elevate their aerial attack. A key aspect of this evolution is the wide receiver position, which has been a point of emphasis for the team. In recent seasons, the Ravens have invested in improving their wide receiver corps, but there are still areas that require attention and improvement. This is particularly evident when analyzing the current state of the team’s roster and the potential moves they could make in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Current State of the Ravens’ Wide Receiver Corps

Over the last few seasons, the Ravens’ wide receiver group has been one of the most scrutinized units in the NFL. Despite having a talented quarterback in Lamar Jackson, the team has faced difficulties in finding consistency at the receiver position. This has been compounded by injuries, underperformance, and the fact that the team has historically preferred a run-heavy offense. With Lamar Jackson’s dynamic ability as both a passer and a runner, there is undeniable potential for success, but only if the right pieces are in place.

The Lack of Consistent Playmakers

A few standout players have emerged over the years, but none have been able to consistently be the type of No. 1 receiver that can help take the Ravens’ offense to the next level. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft and showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with his speed and ability to stretch the field. However, after three seasons, Brown was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, leaving a significant hole in the Ravens’ receiving corps. While Brown’s departure was in part due to his desire to be a focal point in the passing game and his contract situation, it highlighted a broader issue for the Ravens: the inability to develop a reliable and consistent receiving threat.

Following Brown’s departure, the Ravens turned to veterans like Sammy Watkins and added new talent in the form of Rashod Bateman, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Bateman, who showed promise in his rookie year, was sidelined for much of the 2022 season due to injuries. His injury struggles have raised concerns about whether he can stay healthy and be a true No. 1 receiver for the team in the future. Despite flashes of potential, Bateman’s inability to stay on the field has been a significant obstacle to the Ravens’ offensive growth.

Additionally, the Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr. in 2023, hoping that the three-time Pro Bowler would provide a much-needed boost. Beckham, who has had an illustrious career, was coming off a major knee injury and faced questions about his durability and ability to return to his previous form. While Beckham remains a talented player, his presence alone will not be enough to solve the Ravens’ issues at wide receiver.

While there is talent in the wide receiver room, there is no clear-cut No. 1 receiver who can consistently take over games and make an impact. This inconsistency at the position has limited Lamar Jackson’s ability to fully showcase his skills as a passer and has led to frustrations in the passing game. As the NFL has shifted towards pass-heavy offenses, the Ravens’ inability to find and develop a reliable wide receiver has become a critical issue that they must address.

Lamar Jackson’s Development and the Need for Receiver Help

Lamar Jackson, a former MVP, has proven himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. Known for his ability to make plays with his legs, Jackson has become a dual-threat quarterback who can both run and throw effectively. However, his ability to succeed as a pocket passer has often been questioned due to his lack of a consistently elite receiving corps.

In the past, Jackson’s playstyle has often been molded around a heavy reliance on the running game, utilizing the talents of running backs like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, along with tight ends like Mark Andrews, who has been the most consistent target in the passing game. However, to take the next step and potentially lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl, Jackson needs reliable receivers who can create separation, make plays downfield, and, most importantly, catch the ball consistently.

The addition of Beckham gives Jackson a veteran presence, and Bateman’s potential could give him a future star to develop a rapport with. But to truly unlock Jackson’s full potential as a passer, the Ravens must invest in a complete wide receiver unit that complements his strengths and creates new opportunities in the passing game. This means bringing in players who not only excel in the short and intermediate passing game but also have the ability to stretch the field and be threats in the vertical passing game.

The Ravens’ Draft Strategy: Looking for Wide Receiver Talent

With a clear need for talent at the wide receiver position, the Ravens’ front office will be focusing on addressing this issue in the upcoming NFL Draft. Over the years, Baltimore has been known for making solid draft picks and finding hidden gems, so it’s no surprise that they will likely target wide receivers in both the early and middle rounds of the draft. The team has an opportunity to bring in a young receiver who can help take their passing game to new heights.

The Ravens’ first-round pick is likely to be a focal point for their draft strategy. In recent years, the team has used their first-round picks on defensive players or offensive linemen, but this time they may look to bolster the wide receiver corps. While the team could look to add a dynamic pass-rusher or a top-tier defensive prospect, addressing the wide receiver position in the first round makes a lot of sense.

Key Wide Receiver Prospects

The 2025 NFL Draft class boasts several promising wide receiver prospects who could be available for the Ravens at various points in the draft. Here are a few names to keep an eye on:

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State): Smith-Njigba is one of the top receivers in this class and is known for his exceptional route running, hands, and ability to create separation. He was one of the standout performers in college football and could be a game-changer in the NFL. His versatility to play both inside and outside makes him an ideal target for the Ravens, who need someone who can contribute immediately.
• Jordan Addison (USC): Addison is another highly touted wide receiver prospect, known for his explosive playmaking ability. He has the ability to stretch the field with his speed and is a strong route runner. Given the Ravens’ need for a vertical threat, Addison could be a perfect fit to help Lamar Jackson open up the offense.
• Zay Flowers (Boston College): Flowers is an explosive wide receiver with great speed and playmaking ability. He has excellent separation skills and could immediately contribute as a deep threat. His ability to make plays with the ball in his hands after the catch is another aspect that would fit well into the Ravens’ offense.
• Quentin Johnston (TCU): Johnston is a big-bodied receiver who excels at going up and making contested catches. His ability to win jump balls and be a physical presence in the red zone would give Jackson a reliable target in key situations. If the Ravens are looking for a receiver with more size, Johnston could be a great addition.

In addition to these top-tier receivers, the Ravens may also look to the second and third rounds to find more potential contributors. Wide receivers such as Tyler Scott (Cincinnati) or Josh Downs (North Carolina) could provide value if they fall to the mid-to-late rounds.

Balancing the Draft Needs: A Holistic Approach

While the wide receiver position should be a priority, the Ravens’ front office must balance their draft strategy with other needs. The team has a solid defense, but they still need to invest in their offensive line and possibly add depth to their defensive backfield. Additionally, the Ravens could consider taking a running back or a tight end if the right player is available.

This holistic approach will allow the Ravens to build a well-rounded team that can contend for a Super Bowl, but at the same time, they need to address their wide receiver needs. Given the importance of the passing game in today’s NFL, the Ravens cannot afford to ignore the wide receiver position, especially with Lamar Jackson’s long-term future with the team at stake.

 The Importance of the 2025 NFL Draft

For the Ravens, the 2025 NFL Draft represents a critical opportunity to reshape their offense. While they have made strides in recent seasons to improve their passing game, the wide receiver position remains a glaring weakness. Lamar Jackson’s potential as a passer is undeniable, but he needs more consistent and dynamic receivers to help elevate the Ravens’ offense. By investing in the right wide receivers in the draft, the Ravens can give Jackson the weapons he needs to succeed and push the team toward greater success in the coming seasons.

The wide receiver position is arguably the most important area of need for the Ravens heading into the draft. By selecting a receiver who can create separation, stretch the field, and contribute immediately, the Ravens can provide Lamar Jackson with the tools he needs to elevate his game and help lead the team to new heights. Whether through a top-tier first-round pick or finding value in the later rounds, the 2025 NFL Draft will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Ravens’ offense.