With two third round picks, two fourth round picks and potentially two fifth round selections in the 2022 draft, the Ravens had the draft funds to pull a movement for Jones. So why didn’t they?
The first answer is Jones’ $15.3 million cap hit. The Titans agreed to carry on Jones’ entire salary for its 2021 season, a condition the Ravens might have reluctantly accommodated with some restructured contracts for Messrs. Stanley, Humphrey, Tucker and Clark. But the Ravens also has to be aware of the upcoming contracts for Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews. The added cap burden of taking on Jones’ contract coupled with the substantial investment of draft capital in the position, was probably enough to convince Eric DeCosta to”fold’em” at the bargaining table through the Julio Jones sweepstakes.
Second, the Ravens wide receiver area was completely retooled — one the Ravens coaching team is happy with awarded the offseason additions of Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman, not to mention WR trainer Tee Martin and passing match expert Keith Williams. Bateman specifically has received rave reviews on his operation within rookie training camp and OTAs, suggesting that the Ravens have found the external receiver they’ve been looking for. Watkins has long become a starting grade wideout and Marquise Brown will probably get more snaps from the slot, where his speed and elusiveness could be completely weaponized. With youth on their side, the Ravens WR corps is likely to get much better as the season goes on.
Don’t get me wrong, I would have loved to have Julio Jones join the Ravens. He is an established celebrity at WR that could have been a fantastic fit in Baltimore. Beyond his acquiring skills, he also gives his all on every play — only look at his highlight reel of breaking up interceptions or tracking down defensive backs to stop select sixes. He is also a great run-blocker, an integral skill for any Ravens wideout.
However, the Ravens don’t need Jones. They’re going to have a top tier offense next year, and also a full offseason and upgrades at OL and WR are sure to improve the passing game.
It is honestly reassuring the Ravens didn’t move heaven and earth for Jones. It usually means the staff is confident within their WR room as-is, despite its relative youth and inexperience. Since RSR’s own Dev Panchwagh pointed out, rookie wide receivers have revealed they can produce in their very first year.
Only time will tell if the Ravens should have gone all-in on Jones. But the Ravens have never treated the purchase of one player as an end-all, be-all for the franchise, a plan that has always served them well.
To sum up my view about the Ravens’ current WR room, I’ll quote former Orioles manager Buck Showalter: I like our guys.
