What Are The Ravens Expectations For Their Newest WR?
The Ravens signed Demarcus Robinson to shore up their wide receiver corps ahead of the 2022 season. He already flashed in the preseason, but what are the expectations for him this season?
The Baltimore Ravens seemed to have found a potential free agent gem in the form of Demarcus Robinson. He wasted no time making his presence known with a four-catch, 135-yard performance against the Washington Commanders in the third preseason game. With the uncertainty of the wide receiver position beyond Rashod Bateman, Robinson has been inserted into an ideal scenario. Third-year wide receiver Devin Duvernay has been banged up for the majority of camp. James Proche and Tylan Wallace will be battling for reps in the slot.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has hopes of getting the offense back on track after a lackluster 2021 season. Having Demarcus Robinson added to the wide receiver group will create offensive flexibility. He had a productive four years in Kansas City and was a surprise cut by Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. At an initial glance, Robinson’s numbers don’t jump off the page.
Robinson’s Impact For Kansas City Gives A Hint For The Ravens
Demarcus Robinson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida. He spent six seasons in Kansas City’s high-powered offense. During his tenure with the Chiefs, Robinson played alongside wide receivers such as Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Jeremy Maclin, Albert Wilson, and Chris Conley. He was never considered to be a top option, so when you look at his yearly numbers, they’re from the fourth or fifth pass-catching spot.
The yearly breakdown of Robinson’s production:
2017: 21 receptions 212 yards 0 TDs
2018: 22 receptions 288 yards 4 TDs
2019: 32 receptions 449 yards 4 TDs
2020: 45 receptions 466 yards 3 TDs
2021: 25 receptions 264 yards 3 TDs
On average, he amassed 29 receptions, 366 yards, and three touchdowns per year. Playing in an offense with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce as the main targets, these numbers are admirable all things considered. Robinson has started roughly 40% of the games he played in Kansas City in the last five seasons. Given the absence of viable options at the second wide-out spot for the Ravens, Robinson will have every opportunity to eclipse his yearly averages.
Expectations In Charm City For The Ravens This Season
Though Demarcus Robinson has been with the team just shy of two weeks, there is an expectation out of local media that Robinson will rise the depth chart rather quickly and secure reps from James Proche and Devin Duvernay. To make one thing clear, everyone knows the Ravens run their offense through the running game and their tight ends. All-Pro Mark Andrews has a running mate in rookie Isaiah Likely. During Lamar Jackson’s MVP campaign in 2019, the third receiving option was Nick Boyle. This year, that will not be the case.
Realistically, Robinson could reach 40 receptions, 500 yards, and five touchdowns this season. With Devin Duvernay serving as the primary return man, targets will be available. Robinson’s skill set he put on display last week will be welcome in the Ravens offense. The ability to get open with ample separation on the outside will clear underneath passing lanes as well as take pressure off Bateman and Andrews. All of this will allow the running game to flourish, as keeping defenses honest will create room to run. Hopefully, Robinson has a stellar year as one of Lamar Jackson’s new targets. His first test will be the newly revamped Jets secondary featuring top pick Sauce Gardner.