The Baltimore Ravens have often found it difficult to surround Lamar Jackson with elite wide receivers, as the prospect of a run-first offense isn’t very attractive in free agency. Eric DeCosta has tried to build through the draft, using first-round picks on Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers.
The Ravens are going into 2024 expecting these two to carry the load outside. Bateman’s recent contract extension shows that Baltimore is still interested in developing his long-term potential, while Flowers could be on the fast track to stardom if he replicates his rookie season.
There are some who may have some doubts about these two at the tip of Baltimore’s spear, especially in a competitive AFC. According to Flowers, Bateman has been improving noticeably his offseason, giving this dynamic dup even more hype.
Flowers, per Ravens Wire, praised Bateman’s work ethic, saying he is “putting nothing but work in” and “trying to get in rhythm with the quarterbacks.” Flowers also tapped Bateman to have a great season in 2024. With Flowers himself also mentioning how he feels more comfortable in Todd Monken’s offense, Bateman could be in for a similar second-year boost.
.@Lj_era8 ➡️ @ZayFlowers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Gx2am1LB9z
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 12, 2024
Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman look ready to stay for Baltimore Ravens
Flowers did just about as well as anyone could have imagined in his rookie season. Despite his size questions and playing in a run-heavy offense, Flowers still piled up 77 catches for 858 yards and five touchdowns. Imagine what he could do with another season of Monken’s offense implanted in his brain.
Bateman has been named the No. 2 wide receiver in a big show of confidence, as the Ravens passed up multiple opportunities to sign a member of a very deep free agent class and waited until the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select a wideout in North Carolina’s Devontez Walker.
For the first time in Jackson’s career, Baltimore is heading into the season with his top pass catchers actually being an area of strength rather than a question mark. A base offense that features Flowers and Bateman on the outside alongside stud tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely could give Jackson plenty of options to attack opposing defenses with.
Flowers should be in line for a 1,000-yard season, and the Ravens are banking on Bateman breaking out now that he has some security in his role within the team. With an MVP at the sticks, the arrow is certainly pointing up for this offense.