2. Wide Receiver
With the retirement of Steve Smith Sr. in 2016, another receiver is needed in Baltimore. Last year’s free agent signing, The three main receivers from last year are Mike Wallace who is expected to stay on the team as the lone 1,000-yard receiver, Kamar Aiken (a pending free agent) who I do not see being resigned, and Breshad Perriman as a young deep threat who could also become more involved and be more productive in the offense in 2017. A year off the major injuries that derailed his career early and a 2016 campaign that was relatively clean, Perriman could be an upcoming target that could be a starter or the 3rd receiver in 2017. Perriman had less than 500 yards in 2016 and showed inconsistency as a reliable target but at times, flashed home run threat ability and seemed to make a difficult catch every week. But the offense could use a jump start with a lack of talent and if they do not address receiver in free agency, they would have to consider it in 2016. A possession receiver that can be a reliable target that Joe Flacco can rely on would help the offense move the chains consistently and would free up Wallace and Perriman as deep threats.
One thing to note is that Ozzie Newsome did say in their end of season meeting that they would want to sign a “veteran complementary receiver” and would similar to the Steve Smith Sr. signing in 2014.
So I this need to be addressed in free agency over the draft, at least in round 1. But Ozzie could be tempted to take another young talented receiver regardless to help out Flacco and the offense that struggled in 2016. A complement to the speed of Wallace and Perriman is desperately needed.
[AndrewK]