Perhaps no position has garnered more discussion in Baltimore the last few months than wide receiver.
The Ravens have downplayed their need to add a pass catcher early, but they do have to replace the lost production from speedsters Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones.
This year's draft class is considered deep at wideout, and the Ravens will likely have plenty of options if they go that route.Â
Here are five receivers who make sense for Baltimore:
Jaelen Strong, Arizona StateJunior; 6-foot-3, 212 pounds
2014 Stats:* *82 receptions, 1,165 yards, 10 touchdowns
Projected Round:1st
Scouting Report:Strong is a big-bodied target who also has the speed to get on top of a defense. He ran a 40-yard dash in the 4.4-range at the NFL combine, showing that he's more than just a possession receiver. Strong is known for his good hands and ability to track the football, but many draft pundits think that he's still a raw project to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Why He Makes Sense:Strong would give the Ravens a player who could develop into a true No. 1 receiver. He has the size and speed that makes him attractive to NFL teams, and his college production shows that he's more than just a developmental prospect. Â
Breshad Perriman, Central FloridaJunior; 6-foot-2, 212 pounds 2014 Stats:50 catches, 1,044 yards, 9 touchdowns
Projected Round:1st
Scouting Report:Perriman is a prospect on the rise since the combine. He wowed scouts by running the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.24 seconds, the fastest time of any receiver. He also has the size that NFL teams covet. Perriman is a true speed receiver who also has to develop his route running to excel in the NFL.
Why He Makes Sense:Perriman would give the Ravens an immediate replacement for both Smith and Jones. He fits the mold of a dynamic deep threat that has the kind of speed that can't be coached. The Ravens need offensive playmakers, and Perriman has that kind of potential.
Devin Smith, Ohio StateSenior, 6-foot-1, 199 pounds
2014 Stats:33 catches, 931 yards, 12 touchdownsProjected Round: 1st-2nd
Scouting Report: Smith also falls into the speed receiver category, and he was the ultimate home-run threat during his college career. He flew slightly under-the-radar on a national championship team loaded with talent, but he has helped his case since the college season ended starting with the Senior Bowl. Smith has to prove to NFL teams that he's more than just a one-trick pony who relied on his speed, and his route running will likely need some refinement.
Why He Makes Sense:Smith is another player who would give the Ravens a speedy downfield threat, and he also has the ability to win jump-ball situations. Smith's projection has ranged between the first and second rounds, and he could be a player the Ravens move up to get if he slides in the second round.
Devin Funchess, MichiganJunior; 6-foot-4, 235 pounds
2014 Stats: 62 receptions, 733 yards, 4 touchdowns
Projected Round:1st-2nd
Scouting Report:Funchess played both tight end and receiver at Michigan, and there are some questions about which position he is better suited to play in the NFL. He was a popular first-round projection to the Ravens in early mock drafts, but that talk quieted after his stock seemed to take a hit at the combine. Funchess ran the 40-yard dash in 4.70 seconds at the combine, which may push him squarely into the second round.
Why He Makes Sense:Funchess would somewhat fill two needs for the Ravens, as he could work as a true receiver or a pass-catching tight end. The 40-yard dash hurt Funchess and may make him a great value pick for Baltimore in the second round.
Stefon Diggs, MarylandJunior, 6-foot-0, 190 pounds
2014 Stats:62 catches, 792 yards, 5 touchdowns
Projected Round:4th-5th
Scouting Report:Diggs was a blue-chip recruit out of high school who garnered offers from just about every college coach in the country because of his speed and playmaking ability. He never really lived up to expectations at the college level because he was hindered by injuries, but he still has plenty of raw talent. Diggs can work the middle of the field and play out of the slot, but he will likely need to bulk up once he gets to the NFL.
When He Makes Sense:Diggs would love to stay close to home and play for the Ravens. The Maryland native chose to go to college in his home state, and he has said during the pre-draft process that getting drafted by Baltimore would be ideal. In addition to his skills as a receiver, Diggs is also a dangerous returner who would be a valuable pickup in the later rounds.
