Jeremy Butler is the “Sleeper” who will soon awake.
The Baltimore Ravens let the trade deadline pass today because they believe in their current WR corps. RavensNation may be slightly upset about this but let’s look at the facts. While there was not a legendary notable name in the stable of WRs. Joe Flacco was still able to lead the team to victory over the San Diego Chargers using what was in house this past Sunday. However, with that said there is one guy who wasn’t active on Sunday that will bring more confidence to this receiving outfit and that guy’s name is Jeremy Butler.
What is so special about Jeremy Butler?
Butler is one of those grinders who no one outside of Baltimore cares to learn about but everyone who watched any of the preseason or training camp knows what he is capable of. There is very little tape on him before that. In 2014 the former Tennessee-Martin Skyhawk brought in 6-receptions for 60-yards and one TD over his four games from the year. When I watch this guy play, I think of a slightly slower Allen Robinson. Butler has speed but not at that level. I like Butler’s agility and ability to find open space. His hands are great and he can do damage after the catch. His routes are a bit raw but some of the best WRs in the game don’t draw straight lines. I am a proponent of guys who can get off of the line of scrimmage and he has the proclivity to do just that. Harbaugh had this to say when asked about the WRs according to baltimoreravens.com’s Jeff Zrebiec
“We brought Jeremy Butler up. Jeremy is going to get … Obviously, his role is going to expand, and it’s time for him to be ready. I wouldn’t rule out that we would bring another receiver in from somewhere. Obviously, we’re looking real hard right now to figure out what we’re going to do.”
What is stopping the Ravens from starting him?
I believe that due to the politics of the drafted players on the roster like Darren Waller (now on IR) who brought a redzone target to the team and how Butler’s build and play style is similar to Kamar Aiken’s are both reasons his play time has been nonexistent this season at least until now.
Baltimore searches for all the wrong answers to the WR conundrum.
Jeff Zrebiec reported that the Ravens have brought in a few guys to work out this week one of them being former Colts and Giants WR Hakeem Nicks. Nicks wasn’t signed to the roster after the tryout according to ESPN and it looks to be the end of the road for the skill player.
Start this guy Week 10!
I believe that after comparing Butler’s and Kamar Aiken’s talent to Nicks, the team made the right decision. Aiken has proven his worth to the organization and I believe Butler will push past Marlon Brown’s underwhelming performances to be the other starter in Steve Smith’s unfortunate absence for the rest of the year. Let’s hope Bobby Engram can be the WR whisperer who turns this sleeper into an angry monster for the Ravens.
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.