Ravens WR Depth Chart: Adding Diontae Johnson Could Be the Missing Piece
The Baltimore Ravens are in a fascinating spot heading into the 2023 season. They boast a dynamic defense and a strong running game, but their wide receiver corps has been a consistent question mark. This offseason, the team made a bold move to address this weakness by acquiring former Pittsburgh Steelers star, Diontae Johnson. Could this be the addition that catapults the Ravens into the upper echelon of the AFC?
The Ravens' WR Room Before Johnson
Prior to the Johnson trade, the Ravens' wide receiver depth chart was a bit thin. Rashod Bateman is a talented receiver who is poised for a breakout season, but he's also battled injuries. Devin Duvernay is a reliable slot receiver who excels as a return man. The rest of the roster consists of unproven prospects like Zay Flowers and Tylan Wallace, who will be looking to prove themselves.
The Diontae Johnson Impact
Johnson brings a much-needed boost to the Ravens' offensive arsenal. Here's why:
- Proven Production: Johnson is a reliable target who consistently produces. He has three consecutive seasons with at least 80 catches and 800 yards, making him a dependable threat.
- Red Zone Threat: Johnson's ability to win contested catches in the red zone is a valuable asset. The Ravens struggled in the red zone last season, and Johnson's presence should help improve their efficiency.
- Versatility: Johnson can play both outside and inside, giving the Ravens more flexibility in their offensive schemes. He can be a threat from anywhere on the field.
How Johnson Fits in the Ravens' Offense
Johnson will likely be the Ravens' go-to receiver. He provides a legitimate deep threat, which opens up more space for Bateman and Duvernay to operate underneath. The Ravens' run-heavy offense will also benefit from Johnson's ability to command attention, creating more lanes for their running backs.
The Potential of a Dynamic Offense
With Johnson on board, the Ravens' offense has the potential to be truly dynamic. They have a strong quarterback in Lamar Jackson, a powerful running game, and a talented tight end in Mark Andrews. Now, with Johnson as a reliable target, the Ravens' offense becomes a much more complete unit.
Conclusion
The Ravens' acquisition of Diontae Johnson is a significant move that could have a major impact on their 2023 season. He adds a proven weapon to their offense, giving Lamar Jackson more options and helping the team to be more balanced. If Johnson can stay healthy and perform at a high level, the Ravens will be a formidable force in the AFC. The future looks bright in Baltimore, and the addition of Johnson has made the Ravens a true Super Bowl contender.