Ravens coach John Harbaugh spent a part of the offseason defending his younger group of large 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.
Nonetheless, none of these gamers have but to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving in a season. The uncertainty surrounding the manufacturing of the large receivers might hinder the Ravens’ Tremendous Bowl aspirations.
“I’m excited concerning the large receiver place,” Harbaugh stated this offseason. “This can be a very proficient group, and anyone that wishes to problem that, deliver it on. You’ve bought to line up and play in opposition to us, and we’ll see if we don’t have playmakers on the market operating round [and] making performs.”
Flowers, the twenty second general decide within the 2023 draft, led the group 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 snug with the velocity of the NFL. Flowers is rather more snug taking part in within the system below second-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
“We had a tough coaching camp, so all people on our group is prepared,” Flowers stated. “We’re going to be able to go [and] able to play. Our coach [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] put collectively an incredible recreation plan for us, so we’re going to get able to play our [style of] soccer.”
Bateman, the twenty seventh general decide within the 2021 draft, may be below 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 group 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 plenty 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 stated earlier than the regular-season opener in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. “I really like my teammates. So, for me, I simply wish to exit and do it proper for the town [and] present these guys that they will depend upon me, present the town that you would be able to depend upon me [and] present the teaching employees these issues as effectively. So, I’m positively excited to exit, and hopefully, deliver 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 strong coaching camp.
“Effectively, initially, I’m blessed to be in 12 months 10. Like, I imply, in case you advised me as a toddler [that] I performed 10 years within the Nationwide Soccer League and really feel the best way I really feel, I might scratch my head, as a result of I really feel superb, [and] I’ve plenty of enjoyable doing what I do,” Agholor stated. “I can run all day and have a superb 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 fellows I play receiver with, to the fellows I observe with day by day on the defensive facet of the ball, they make me higher, however we additionally simply take pleasure in one another. So, I couldn’t be extra joyful that I get to play 12 months 10 in Baltimore and reside right here and do what I do.”
Wallace might need had the very best coaching camp amongst the entire large receivers and performed effectively within the preseason video games. Whereas Wallace’s position has been totally on particular groups, Harbaugh envisions him having a much bigger position within the offense.
“I feel Tylan [Wallace] goes to get alternatives all over the place – offense and particular groups,” Harbaugh stated. “He has regarded good; [he] had a few good performs on the market at the moment, after all, like he does actually day by day. I’m trying ahead to seeing how he does this yr.”
Walker, the group’s fourth-round decide on this yr’s NFL, handled a rib harm 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 group because the sixth large receiver, however he’ll principally play particular groups because the beginning returner.
