Ravens coach John Harbaugh spent a part of the offseason defending his younger group of huge receivers.
Harbaugh is assured that Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace and rookie Devontez Walker shall be productive catching passes from two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, no matter what the critics say about their potential manufacturing.
Nevertheless, none of these gamers have but to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving in a season. The uncertainty surrounding the manufacturing of the huge receivers might hinder the Ravens’ Tremendous Bowl aspirations.
“I’m excited concerning the huge receiver place,” Harbaugh mentioned this offseason. “This can be a very gifted group, and anyone that desires to problem that, carry it on. You’ve obtained to line up and play towards us, and we’ll see if we don’t have playmakers on the market working round [and] making performs.”
Flowers, the twenty second total decide within the 2023 draft, led the staff with 77 receptions for 858 yards and 5 touchdowns as a rookie. He’s anticipated to make extra strides this season as he turns into extra comfy with the pace of the NFL. Flowers is rather more comfy taking part in within the system beneath second-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
“We had a tough coaching camp, so all people on our staff is prepared,” Flowers mentioned. “We’re going to be able to go [and] able to play. Our coach [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] put collectively an important recreation plan for us, so we’re going to get able to play our [style of] soccer.”
Bateman, the twenty seventh total decide within the 2021 draft, is perhaps beneath probably the most strain after signing a two-year, $12.87 million contract extension in April. Bateman has been hampered by numerous accidents all through his profession.
As a rookie, he had hernia surgical procedure that sidelined him for the primary six video games. The next yr, he had foot surgical procedure and was positioned on injured reserve after six video games.
In 2023, Bateman appeared in 16 regular-season video games and completed fifth on the staff with 32 receptions for 367 yards and a landing. The important thing for Bateman is to develop a greater rapport with Jackson and assist the offense stretch the sphere.
“Baltimore drafted me, and there’s been lots of ‘he say, she say’ about me, however on the finish of the day, I really like taking part in right here. I do love Baltimore,” Bateman mentioned earlier than the regular-season opener towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. “I really like my teammates. So, for me, I simply need to exit and do it proper for the town [and] present these guys that they will rely upon me, present the town you could rely upon me [and] present the teaching employees these issues as effectively. So, I’m undoubtedly excited to exit, and hopefully, carry a Tremendous Bowl again to Baltimore.”
The Ravens re-signed Agholor to a one-year extension this offseason. He caught 35 passes for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2023. He’s probably the most veteran participant within the group and had a stable coaching camp.
“Nicely, to start with, I’m blessed to be in Yr 10. Like, I imply, for those who instructed me as a toddler [that] I performed 10 years within the Nationwide Soccer League and really feel the best way I really feel, I’d scratch my head, as a result of I really feel wonderful, [and] I’ve lots of enjoyable doing what I do,” Agholor mentioned. “I can run all day and have a very good time, in order that’s a blessing. However then to do it right here—this place makes it much more fulfilling.
“That is household. That is residence, familiarity and only a nice group of dudes. From my quarterback to the blokes I play receiver with, to the blokes I observe with day-after-day on the defensive facet of the ball, they make me higher, however we additionally simply get pleasure from one another. So, I couldn’t be extra glad that I get to play Yr 10 in Baltimore and stay right here and do what I do.”
Wallace might need had the perfect coaching camp amongst the entire huge receivers and performed effectively within the preseason video games. Whereas Wallace’s function has been totally on particular groups, Harbaugh envisions him having an even bigger function within the offense.
“I feel Tylan [Wallace] goes to get alternatives in every single place – offense and particular groups,” Harbaugh mentioned. “He has regarded good; [he] had a few good performs on the market right this moment, after all, like he does actually day-after-day. I’m trying ahead to seeing how he does this yr.”
Walker, the staff’s fourth-round decide on this yr’s NFL, handled a rib damage in coaching camp. He’s extra of a developmental participant and must earn taking part in time this season by performing effectively in observe.
Deonte Harty additionally made the staff because the sixth huge receiver, however he’ll principally play particular groups because the beginning returner.
