Last year, the switch from offensive coordinator Greg Roman to Todd Monken generated some hope for the Baltimore Ravens’ passing game. The team then signed free-agent (and current Miami Dolphins) Odell Beckham Jr. and drafted Zay Flowers in the first round to give them their most formidable wide receiver corps in living memory, at least on paper. While it’s hard to call a season that ended in an MVP award for quarterback Lamar Jackson disappointing, the Ravens’ overall passing numbers were middling as they finished 21st in yards (3,635) and tied for 12th in TDs (27).
Entering Year 2 in Monken’s system, it’ll be interesting to see if things trend upward for the aerial game, or if Jackson and a retooled ground attack once again take center stage. While Beckham is gone, the other three top wideouts from a year ago return to give the offense some stability. Let’s take a quick look at what we can expect from Baltimore’s receivers in 2024.
Zay Flowers
Easily the most encouraging development for the passing game was the arrival of Flowers, who opened the season with nine catches for 78 yards and never looked back. Even with more established options on the depth chart, Jackson showed an immediate chemistry with the then-rookie, and Flowers would lead Baltimore in receptions (77) and receiving yards (858) while tying for second in TDs (5) behind TE Mark Andrews (6). He posted a 5-115-1 line in the AFC Championship Game as well, though he did have a critical fumble that might’ve cost them a shot at the Super Bowl.
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While things may have ended on a sour note, it was refreshing for Ravens fans to see Flowers deliver given some of the struggles that previous high-round receivers and tight ends have experienced in Charm City. Heading into his second season, Flowers is the top wideout, showing good hands, a willingness to work in traffic, and the speed/elusiveness to make things happen with the ball in his hands. He and Andrews figure to be Jackson’s go-to targets this year.
Rashod Bateman
Bateman has endured a rough start to his NFL career. A first-round pick back in 2021, the University of Minnesota product battled injuries his first two years and has accounted for a combined 93 catches, 1,167 yards, and four TDs in three seasons. Despite his struggles, the team handed him a two-year extension prior to this year’s draft amid hopes that he’ll develop into the player they thought they were getting with the 27th overall pick. Bateman finally appears to be healthy, and he enters 2024 as the clear No. 2 receiver for the Ravens.
Nelson Agholor
Another former first-round selection, Agholor was signed before last season and posted a 35-381-4 line. While that’s middling production, at best, the front office liked what they saw enough to re-sign the veteran to another one-year deal.
Agholor is a steady presence out of the slot with decent size and the ability to work across the middle or downfield. He’s finished with fewer than 500 yards receiving in four of his last five seasons, though, and at age 31 you shouldn’t expect more than that.
Devontez Walker
Baltimore drafted Walker in the fourth round back in April, and he possesses legit deep speed, being one of just three receivers to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash with a 40-inch vertical — the other two were taken in Round 1. Time will tell in terms of how quickly he adjusts to the pro game, but Walker could line up on the outside and stretch the field while also allowing the shifty Flowers to man the slot. Suffice to say the Ravens would love to see Walker carve out a significant role sooner than later, which comes indeed happen if Bateman again fails to stay healthy.
Fantasy football outlook
Despite there being some intrigue with Baltimore’s younger pass catchers, the only receiver who should be drafted in most leagues is Flowers. If you can snatch him up as your WR3 that would be ideal, but he could certainly push for top-20 status if he takes another step. Beyond that, the presence of Andrews and TE Isaiah Likely depresses the outlook for the other wideouts.
Bateman has the clearest path to relevance, and the extension suggests the team thinks better days are ahead, but he’s a “believe it when you see it” type.
Agholor is a nonfactor for fantasy purposes, and Walker looks unlikely to have a large enough role to deliver much value, barring an injury-related ascension.
