Home NFLAFC North Michael Campanaro: Impact Player for Baltimore Ravens in 2014

Michael Campanaro: Impact Player for Baltimore Ravens in 2014

by Jermaine Lockett

Campanaro

The 2014 Baltimore Ravens Offense compared to the 2013 one will see a significant upgrade in the receiving corps, particularly with the addition of Steve Smith, Owen Daniels and a healthy Dennis Pitta back on the fold.  Another significant change could be a late round addition to the Offense which appeared in the 7th round.  The Ravens’ front office traded back into the Draft to get WR Michael Campanaro. It looks like for a good reason too.

When I look at the Wake Forest product, I see a player who finds open space, even if he’s not the quickest player on field and his route-running needs some fine tuning.  Even NFL analyst Charles Davis had this to say about him:

“A nice slot receiver. The one thing you always hear about slot receivers is that they run routes well. Well, he needs to learn to run routes better.” — Charles Davis

However that is also one of his strengths.  There are players who cut on a dime and run routes like robots and then there are guys like Campanaro, who remind you of standouts like Hines Ward, who just knew where to be.  Ward was so good at his craft of sneaking into open space, he had to smile after every devious catch.  I’m sure LBs who felt him hovering around their space when he made the catch threw a few loving words his way like “you sneaky little…I’m going to knock you…the next time.” I look at Campanaro as a slot guy who will make any Nickel-Back or LB pay with his elusiveness.

Baltimore seems to be high on the hometown players with Campanaro hailing from Silver Springs, MD.  There is nothing wrong with bringing in a hometown hero as long as they have the talent to step up to the next level.  Torrey Smith did it.  Sure he’s from Falmouth, VA, but everyone knows him as a former Maryland Terp.

I truly believe if Bobby Engram can get this 5’10” 190lb rookie on track, it will pay off in the long-run.  Already having dangerous additions either return or be introduced to the team could be frustrating AFC North Defenses for years to come.

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