Of the Baltimore Ravens’ numerous shortcomings last season, the dearth of quality skill-position players may have hurt the team more than any other area.

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Lead tailback Justin Forsett saw his efficiency regress by over a yard per carry and a 75 percent loss in scoring, leading to the Baltimore ground attack falling into the bottom quarter of the league. Rookie Buck Allen flashed at times in relief of Forsett, but he fits better in a reserve role. At wide receiver, Steve Smith Sr. continued his battle against Father Time until his right Achilles tendon gave out on Nov. 1. With Smith sidelined, journeyman wideout Kamar Aiken managed to pick up some of the slack, but the rest of the group struggled to consistently provide quarterback Joe Flacco with open looks and production after the catch. Though the offense did receive a boost from tight end Crockett Gillmore, injuries cut his season to just 10 games. Perhaps most distressing, first-round pick Breshad Perriman didn’t play a single snap due to prolonged knee pain.

With the deterioration in the running game, Smith’s return date still shrouded in mystery and Aiken set to hit restricted free agency this offseason, the Ravens have to consider making significant alterations to the skill positions in order for the offense to return to form.

While this year’s draft class contains precious few obvious field-tilters at the receiver positions, it does include multiple running backs that could tempt Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome. The best of the group, Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott, projects to come off the board sometime during the first day of the draft. Given the Ravens’ other areas of need, their current draft slot and the poor return-on-investment that comes with selecting a runner so early, it seems unlikely Newsome pulls the trigger on the former Buckeye.

 

However, the Day 2 options may entice him more from a value standpoint. Alabama’s mammoth rusher Derrick Henry could step in as a lead back while providing needed contrast with the quicker Forsett. Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon offers impressive power compacted into a 5-foot-10 frame and can run effectively in the A and B gaps while also serving as a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield, a combination of skills the Ravens haven’t had since Ray Rice’s best seasons. Newsome may also consider Alex Collins, Arkansas’ do-it-all back who rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his three college seasons. While each brings something different to the table, all could provide a shot in the arm for Baltimore’s offense.

The 2015 offseason departure of Torrey Smith left the Ravens without a true vertical threat in their arsenal. While Breshad Perriman could remedy the problem with a healthy return, the team may need a backup plan in case his injury issues persist or he proves ineffective. The free-agent class offers some medium-risk, high-reward options here, such as the mercurial Percy Harvin and the oft-injured Brian Quick. Still, the team is probably better served finding someone to stretch the field through the draft. At the top of the second round, Notre Dame’s Will Fuller and TCU’s Josh Doctson should remain available. Fuller possesses elite speed and regularly broke games open for the Fighting Irish on fly routes, but he also endured some issues tracking the ball prior to his junior year. Still, opposing defenses must respect his speed, playing safeties deep and opening up the middle of the field for other players. Doctson meanwhile has excellent ball tracking skills and a larger frame (6-foot-2) but lacks Fuller’s extra gear. Still, he could fit well in Baltimore’s offense regardless of whether Perriman lives up to his potential.

If the Ravens choose to wait longer, they can still find some intriguing pass catchers in the middle rounds. Massachusetts’ Tajae Sharpe requires less refinement than many suspect, has a massive catch radius and could run a sub-4.5 40-yard dash. If the Ravens only ask him to open up the field as rookie, he shouldn’t have too many issues. Bralon Addison possesses even more speed and quickness, though those traits didn’t always translate to the field at Oregon. Still, his potential should see him come off the board early on Day 3 if not sooner.

The Ravens don’t require a complete overhaul at the skill positions for a return to playoff contention. With a few relatively modest additions, the offense can hum the way it did during the 2014 season. Few GMs possess the eye for talent or the draft-management skills of Newsome, giving Baltimore a fine chance to make the necessary improvements without using too much cap space or draft capital. If done correctly, the team should have plenty of resources left over to repair the other parts of the roster.

Jason B. Hirschhorn
Jason B. Hirschhorn

Jason B. Hirschhorn is an award-winning sports journalist and Pro Football Writers of America member. He has bylines at NFL.com, SB Nation, Sports Illustrated, and other outlets.

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