Ravens Draft: Controversy At Wide Receiver Shows Need For Upgrades

The Ravens had some back-and-forth between GM Eric DeCosta and WR Rashod Bateman about that unit's production.

The Baltimore Ravens' offseason had some turmoil when Rashod Bateman clapped back at GM Eric DeCosta for his perceived slight of the Ravens' wide receivers.

"If I had an answer, that would probably mean I would have some better receivers," DeCosta said about struggles at drafting receivers. "We're going to keep swinging. There have been some guys that have been successful players for us that were draft picks."

Bateman took to social media to respond to those comments but has since deleted that post. 

"How bout you play to your player's strength and & stop pointing the finger at us and No. 8, ..." Bateman wrote on Twitter. "Blame the one you let do this. ... we take heat 24/7 & keep us healthy ... care about US & see what happens. ... ain't no promises tho ... tired of y'all lyin and capn on players for no reason." 

Nonetheless, coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the team needs to improve the passing game and that means making upgrades at wideout.  

The aerial attack faced challenges early in the year and the loss of Bateman and Devin Duvernay to season-ending knee injuries created even more challenges 

DeMarcus Robinson led the wideouts with just 46 receptions for 434 yards with two touchdowns. 

Baltimore obviously needs more production. 

The Ravens have tried to upgrade their wide receiver in the past several years. They used a first-round pick in two of the last four drafts to select wideouts — Marquise Brown (2019) and Bateman (2021). 

Brown has since been traded to the Arizona Cardinals where he has continued his inconsistent career and Bateman had two injury-marred seasons.

In addition, quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the last five regular-season games and a playoff game with a knee injury. His future is Baltimore is murky because of his contract situation.

The addition of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken will likely mean big changes. Harbaugh is still bullish on Bateman despite his injury history in the NFL.

"I know Todd will have a big part of that in terms of what he wants to do offensively," Harbaugh said. "I’m excited about Rashod Bateman. Let’s not forget; we drafted Rashod three years ago and Rashod’s had a couple nicks the last couple years, but I’m telling you he’s a supremely talented, supremely determined football player. He’s champing at the bit to get back here and go. I’ve been texting him – guys like to text."

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