The Baltimore Ravens are anticipating a big leap in offensive production for the 2023 season. Roster-wise, the Ravens currently look more promising offensively than they have for the past few years. The reason for Baltimore’s optimism is the plethora of roster moves that were made this off-season, including the signings of free-agent wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. In addition to Agholor and Beckham Jr., 2023 first-round draft pick Zay Flowers is being labeled a highly touted prospect, impressing both teammates and coaches.
Unsuspectingly, Baltimore is taking a flyer on veteran Melvin Gordon III, hoping to sure up the running back room and relieve some pressure from starter, Gus Edwards. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is coming into the season on a new 5-year contract worth up to $260m, so morale is expected to be high behind center. As far as X’s and O’s, Todd Monken is Baltimore’s new offensive coordinator, succeeding Greg Roman who spent the last four seasons with the Ravens. So far, Monken has been praised for his creative play-calling, fast-paced offense, and ability to co-exist with players.
An Outlook on the Ravens Skill Positions
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson has been the face of the franchise since the day he first stepped foot in M&T Bank Stadium. In many’s eyes, Jackson has exceeded expectations as an NFL quarterback. Once mischaracterized as a future running back, Jackson went on to win an MVP award in only his second year, proving he belongs amongst the elite quarterbacks. But, to whom much is given, much is required; Jackson has been subject to criticism in recent years for his playoff shortcomings since being named MVP and is looking to quiet the noise. Many in the Ravens locker room feel like the tide has turned with their new, improved roster. Coming off of two injury-plagued seasons, Jackson looks to avoid “fluke injuries” as he told NBC Sports’ Peter King. He headlines the Ravens skill positions group.
Wide Receiver
Odell Beckham Jr.
This offseason, the Baltimore Ravens were able to land superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham is due for a big year, and is betting on himself by signing only a one-year deal, worth up to 18M with incentives. Once considered the best pass catcher in the game, Beckham was a consistent 1,000-yard receiver when in uniform. Coming off of an ACL injury in Superbowl XIV, Beckham will see his first action since 2021. When Beckham last played, he split time between the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams. Beckham played in 14 total games between the two teams and caught 44 passes for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns. Ultimately, Beckham went on to win a Superbowl with the Rams and looks to bring valuable winning experience to the Ravens, a team looking to get over the hump.
Nelson Agholor
The Baltimore Ravens were able to add some needed depth in the receiver room by signing 8-year veteran Nelson Agholor. Agholor signed a one-year deal, worth up to 3.2M. Although criticized in the past for dropped passes, Agholor has proven to be a solid number 2 or number 3 receiver on any team. Agholor spent five years with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning a Superbowl ring in 2017.
After a breakout year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, Agholor achieved his highest numbers as a professional. In 2020, Agholor caught 896 yards and 8 touchdowns, performing as the best second-best pass catcher on the team. After signing with the New England Patriots in 2021, Agholor saw a major drop in production over the next two seasons, posting less than 500 receiving yards in both of them. As Agholor looks to bounce back, Baltimore hopes he can Robin to Odell Beckham Jr.’s Batman.
Zay Flowers
In the 2023 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Zay Flowers with the 22nd pick. Playing four full seasons at Boston College, Flowers became a late standout. Flowers is a 5’9, 185-pound athlete, who can move at the speed of light. Ranking first in almost every statistical category for receivers in Boston College’s history, Flowers seems like a great pick, who can turn out to be an even greater player.
As a Raven, Flowers looks to make a significant impact from the jump. Flowers has been praised by the likes of Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr., making him someone to look out for this upcoming season. If all goes as planned, the newest addition to the Ravens skill positions Zay Flowers and Beckham will be 1-A and 1-B, elevating the Raven’s offense to elite status.
Running Back
Gus Edwards
When healthy, Gus Edwards is a very good, very consistent, every-down running back. From 2018 to 2020, Edwards posted over 700 rushing yards per season. In 2021, Edwards tore his ACL, halting the momentum that his career was garnering. The Ravens had become dependent on Edwards, and his absence was significant. Edwards was able to make a return in 2022, playing in 9 games and rushing for 433 yards. As Edwards looks to return to form, the Ravens hope the veteran running back can help project them toward success.
Melvin Gordon III
Melvin Gordon III was once considered a top-10 running back in the NFL. Although still productive, Gordon has been a victim of recency bias. Before the 2022 season, Gordon’s worst outings as a professional were his rookie year. As a rookie, he rushed for 641 yards. He also didn’t meet expectations in his fifth year playing for the Los Angles Chargers, a season in which he only played 12 games. In 2022 as a Denver Bronco, Gordon rushed for 318 yards over 10 games, his worst season as a professional. Gordon was heavily criticized for his performance and was considered a depleted running back by many. He has posted rushing totals of 1,105, 997, 986, and 918 yards in past seasons, proving to be a reliable player. Gordon is set to back up Gus Edwards, as the Ravens are hoping for a two-headed monster in the backfield.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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