As we get set for training camp, we're exploring five questions surrounding the Ravens.
Today's topic: Will the young wide receivers reach another level?
If the Ravens offense is going to take off in Year 2 with Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken and Lamar Jackson is going to follow up on his second MVP season with a title-worthy campaign, Baltimore will need its young wide receivers to flourish.
Will Rashod Bateman emerge?
Rashod Bateman stayed healthy for an entire season for the first time last year, working through the foot injury that cut his 2022 season short. It didn't result in the opportunities or statistical output he was hoping for, however, as Bateman posted 32 catches for 367 yards and one touchdown.
To Bateman's surprise, the Ravens signed him to a contract extension this offseason, which gives him a new lease on his young career in Baltimore. Bateman is in a good place, both physically and mentally. Will that translate to a breakout season?
A major factor in limiting Bateman's opportunities last season was the presence of veteran Odell Beckham Jr. Now Beckham is in Miami and Bateman will step back into being a regular starter. Coaches have made it clear that the ball will come his way more, and it's on Batman and Lamar Jackson to develop a chemistry that they can count on.
Bateman feels the excitement building around him, but the 2021 first-round pick has dealt with hype before, and he's not buying into it this time.
"I don't know what's going to happen this year," Bateman said in May. "All I know is I'm going to just go to work every day. I'm not looking to do anything. I'm just [going to] go do my thing."
627: Rashod Bateman Discusses New Contract, Motivation, Growing on and off the Field
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman joined The Lounge podcast to discuss his first three seasons in the NFL and what he's learned from that experience. He discussed his mindset going into this season and where he's grown as a player and person.
What's next for Zay Flowers?
By all measures, Flowers had a tremendous rookie season. He set the franchise record for receiving yards by a rookie last season with 858. Baltimore fed the first-round pick from the start and it didn't stop, as Flowers' 108 targets were by far the most on the team (Beckham came in second with 64).
Unfortunately, Flowers' season ended with a fourth-quarter fumble on the goal line in the AFC Championship game. Flowers said in May that he's still not over it, but that has provided offseason motivation to get even better and reach the Super Bowl.
The question is how Flowers improves. He would like to create more explosive plays, as his 11.1 yards per catch was tied for 68th in the league. Flowers' shiftiness is his calling card, and the Ravens utilized that a lot on shorter routes that got him into space. But he'll look to be a more well-rounded receiver who can hurt defenses in every way.
Who emerges behind the top two?
The Ravens' starting wide receivers are clear, and Baltimore knows it has a steady contributor in veteran Nelson Agholor behind them. But who else makes plays in this young unit?
Rookie fourth-round pick Devontez Walker was drafted to take the top off defenses with his size and speed. With a 40-yard dash of 4.36 seconds, Walker is Baltimore's fastest wideout. How big of an offensive role can the rookie carve out in Year 1?
Tylan Wallace is looking to make his impact on the offense in Year 4, Deonte Harty was signed to be a primary returner who can offer some juice on offense, and there are other young, hungry wideouts such as Malik Cunningham, Sean Ryan, and more.
What could limit the Ravens' reserve wide receivers is the strength of Baltimore's tight end room, where Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely will be primary targets and Charlie Kolar will see significant snaps. But if injuries were to strike, the depth of Baltimore wide receiver corps will be tested.
