"The Competition" is a series that breaks down every position battle leading up to training camp.
Returning Players
Kamar Aiken (6-foot-2, 215 pounds, fourth season)
Daniel Brown (6-5, 225, second season)
Jeremy Butler (6-2, 213, third season)
Michael Campanaro (5-9, 185, third season)
Kaelin Clay (5-10, 195, second season)
Chris Matthews (6-5, 218, third season)
Breshad Perriman (6-2, 218, second season)
Steve Smith Sr. (5-9, 195, 16th season)
Rookies
Chris Moore (6-1, 205, fourth-round pick)
Keenan Reynolds (5-10, 190, sixth-round pick)
Free-Agent Additions
Mike Wallace (6-0, 205, eighth season)
Projected Starters
Smith is the leader of the group, and he'll be in the starting lineup as long as he's fully recovered from last year's torn Achilles. Smith has not given a definite timetable for when he expects to return, but he recently posted a video of him running again. General Manager Ozzie Newsome also said this offseason that Smith should be ready to go for the season opener Sept. 11. If the injury takes more time to recover or he has to take a reduced role because of it, then that will create an opportunity for other players. The most likely starter opposite of Smith is Aiken, who led the team with 944 receiving yards last year. Perriman could push for the starting job if he's healthy, but he first has to recover from another knee injury he suffered this offseason. You can't rule out Wallace either.
Key Role Players
The Ravens brought in Wallace and Moore this offseason to give the offense more vertical threats. Wallace is motivated to bounce back from last year's disappointing season with the Vikings and Moore showed serious big-play potential in college. The Ravens will lean on both of them to stretch the field this season. The Ravens also need players to work the middle of the field to move the chains, and that's where Campanaro or Reynolds can excel. Campanaro has dealt with nagging injuries his first two seasons, but the Ravens have high hopes for him as a slot receiver.
Most Anticipated Battle
The competition for a starting job will be something to watch throughout the summer. Aiken goes into camp with the advantage after last year's breakout season, but Perriman could push him for reps if he's healthy. Wallace will also be in the mix for a starting job based on how quickly he adjusts to his new home. On the other end of the depth chart, the Ravens will have several players vying for the final receiver spot on the roster. The Ravens may not be able to keep both Campanaro and Reynolds, so the microscope will be on both during camp. Baltimore also has several other young players capable of playing their way onto the team. Matthews made a name for himself with the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX and Butler was a one of the impressive players during last year's training camp. Clay also showed his big-play potential last season with a punt return touchdown in last season's victory over the Browns on Monday Night Football. The group has depth from top to bottom, and seemingly just like every year, the position has plenty of intriguing storylines going into camp.
We're taking a look at several competitive positions heading into OTAs as players look to move up the depth chart this offseason. For the receivers, Steve Smith Sr. will lead the pack once healthy. But who will be the No. 2?
Steve Smith Sr. 2015 stats: 46 receptions, 670 yards, 3 touchdowns Smith was on pace for a monster season before tearing his Achilles midway through the year. The question now will be whether the 37-year-old wideout can pick up where he left off. The 16-year veteran will lead the group once he's healthy.
Kamar Aiken 2015 stats: 75 receptions, 944 yards, 5 touchdowns Aiken proved he can be a starter last season. He was a strong and reliable chain mover who was among the most productive wideouts in the NFL down the stretch. Aiken finished the season with nine consecutive five-catch games, the longest such streak in franchise history and third-longest active streak of its kind in the league. Now with more competition, he's looking to hold onto his big role.
Mike Wallace 2015 stats: 39 receptions, 473 yards, 2 touchdowns The Ravens added the home-run threat in free agency after he had a down year in Minnesota. The 29-year-old Wallace is primed for a bounce-back season now that he's paired with a big-armed quarterback who suits his skillset. Wallace will push to be one of the top two receivers.
Breshad Perriman 2015 stats: N/A Perriman's rookie season was lost due to a knee injury suffered on the first day of training camp. The 2015 first-round pick is back on the field and running, and should have all summer to catch up on lost time. Perriman's potential as a deep threat is unmistakable, as he showed before his injury. Now he's got to stay healthy and he'll have a shot at a starting gig.
Michael Campanaro 2015 stats: 5 receptions, 35 yards, 1 rushing touchdown Campanaro is another player who needs to stay healthy to have a shot in the competition for a roster spot. When on the field, he's been a pesky slot receiver that defenses struggle to cover. However, he's been hampered by leg muscle injuries, and a back injury sent him to injured reserve last season.
Chris Moore 2015 stats: 40 receptions, 870 yards, 7 touchdowns Moore is yet another big-play weapon at Joe Flacco's disposal. The fourth-round pick averaged 19.3 yards per catch over his four years at Cincinnati. Moore will need to hone his technique and route tree, but he's an aggressive, good-sized target who will compete for offensive snaps as a rookie.
Keenan Reynolds 2015 stats: 1 catch, 47 yards The college quarterback and sixth-round pick has the tools to become a wide receiver, but a difficult position switch will take time. Reynolds' avenue to grabbing a roster spot likely goes through special teams as a returner, first and foremost, and then as a slot receiver, where he'd likely have to edge out Campanaro. That's a long way away, and Reynolds is now focused on learning the position.
Jeremy Butler 2015 stats: 31 receptions, 363 yards, 0 touchdowns After being elevated to the 53-man roster in late October, Butler made his impact felt on offense. He caught six passes for 57 yards in the season finale against Cincinnati. The former undrafted rookie out of Tennessee-Martin has grown into a sure-handed, reliable target. If Butler doesn't make the 53-man cut, he would be a prime practice-squad candidate.
Chris Matthews 2015 stats: 9 receptions, 97 yards, 1 touchdown The former Seahawks Super Bowl standout was brought to Baltimore late last season after injuries took a toll and promoted to the 53-man roster in mid-December, just in time to score his lone touchdown against the Steelers. The 6-foot-5 pass catcher is the Ravens' most accomplished big-bodied wideout remaining, as Darren Waller has moved to tight end and Marlon Brown was released.
Daniel Brown 2015 stats: 6 receptions, 64 yards, 0 touchdowns Brown's highlight last year may have been a touchdown that was called back due to a phantom offensive pass interference call in Miami. The 2015 undrafted rookie out of James Madison, who was one of the team's stars in the preseason, eventually got his chance after being cut and re-signed to the roster and had some impressive catches in limited action. He'll face even stiffer competition than last year for a roster spot.
Kaelin Clay 2015 stats: 14 kick returns (24.5 yard average), 23 punt returns (10.6 yard average, 1 touchdown) Clay was added in mid-November and nearly instantly became the team's primary return specialist. He started with a bang with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown in Cleveland. His avenue to another roster spot will be as a returner more than a receiver. He'd have to beat out Reynolds and others.
