On March 13th, veteran WR Michael Crabtree signed a 3-year, $21 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. This may quite possibly put an end to the team's "wide receiver hunt" in the offseason due to the level we are used to seeing Crabtree play at. He has topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2 of his 9 seasons; both in 2012 and 2016. However, the most intriguing part of Crabtree's game is his confidence in the Red Zone. Crabtree has scored 39 touchdowns in the last 6 years. Along with those stats, he has never had a catch percentage of less than 54.5%. That means that he has never caught less than 54.5% of the passes targeted at him in a single season. That consistency is impressive, and just what the Ravens needed. Crabtree has already drawn comparisons to ex Raven Anquan Boldin for his size and contested catching ability. Boldin himself has said that Crabtree is a better version of himself...and Boldin led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2013. Not to say that Crabtree is the messiah the Ravens have been hoping for, but this is definitely a big step in the right direction for the organization. Now is my list of positions that I believe still need attention from management this offseason, in order:
1. Offensive Line:
Baltimore's O-line has struggled with injuries since I can remember, however, they have always had their "go-to-guy" on the offensive line. For the past few years that guy has been guard Marshal Yanda. Yanda is a proven leader and freak athlete, however his durability is now an issue. I would suggest that Baltimore drafts an offensive lineman in early rounds in attempt to find their next "guy." Any young lineman would love the opportunity to learn from Yanda.
2.Tight End:
It's no secret that Joe Flacco loves to throw it to the tight end. Sometimes this tendency can win you a game, sometimes it can lose it. In recent years Flacco has constantly tried forcing the ball to the tight end, and mostly it came to no avail. I would love to see the Ravens draft a big speedy tight end with hands of a wide out to come in as Flacco's safety valve. Baltimore currently has 3 young tight ends that specialize in the run block; it's time to go for the play maker to go alongside Crabtree.
3. Quarterback:
Yeah, I said it. Flacco is getting older and harder to watch. Although his talent and arm strength is undeniable, he has had very questionable decision making skills in years following his amazing Super Bowl run. I believe now may be the perfect time to draft a Quarterback so he can still learn alongside Flacco and gain connections with Baltimore's young receivers.
