When it comes to the Baltimore Ravens’ WR corps, there has not been a towering receiver of the Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas build. I am talking about that guy who got picked first always in basketball or backyard football; the guy who you paid for protection in school, or at least I did. I’m talking about a guy who could win a game of 5000 (game where you tossed a ball in the air and points were awarded to whoever caught it.).
Sure there was Anquan Boldin but Q didn’t tower over people. He just happened to play like it. The Ravens may have picked a first round WR in Breshad Perriman, but I believe there is a star they picked up later in the draft that will shine brighter because of his build and the system he came from. Darren Waller is not yet a household name but stay tuned. Ravensnation is about to take notice.
Players and fans have been raving over the performance of returning player Jeremy Butler in the offseason. Some have even said that Marlon Brown had a nice mini camp and is looking to put it all together in his now 3rd season with the team. Brown is a tall guy as well but he could stand to spend a little more time at the buffet. 215 lbs at 6’5 isn’t exactly intimidating for CB’s.
Anyway, the man that needs to be given some love is the guy towering over the crowd at 6’6 and actually has some mass to him at 240 lbs. BaltimoreRavens.com’s Ryan Mink even thinks Waller can be a prime red-zone target, given his size.
We are in a league where size definitely matters folks. I mean take a look at the average size of the NFL CB. 6-ft is what were looking at. While the top CBs in the league just line up against the best and could care less about size (unless you’re Richard Sherman, who only plays one side of the field), Waller won’t be facing the team’s number one corner. That job is all loud mouth Steve Smith Sr’s, which could create a matchup nightmare for opponents if Waller is used properly.
Did I mention this gentle giant came from the same school that Megatron and D.T. both came out of? And while Georgia Tech may have a run heavy system, they have taught the same technique over the years to their big-bodied receivers. They all have been taught by the Yellow Jacket’s WR coach Al Preston to climb the ladder and use size to your advantage.
This skill attributed to the sixth round pick’s 51 receptions for 971 yards and 9 TDs in 50 career games (22 starts) at the collegiate level. Sure, I believe that the rookie has to improve on his route running ability and I am sure Ravens’ WR Coach Bobby Engram will push the issue, but please believe that when it comes to bringing down the jump-ball on a much needed play, Waller will have the advantage.
Additionally the 204th overall selection has great blocking ability being that he came from such a run-first school. Waller can even be moved inside to play slot or TE in different packages, being that he was used in that capacity at GT.
Joe Flacco has been finding him already on the field in mini-camps and hopefully that translates over to the regular season. I can’t wait for this guy to put the pads on this week and show his physicality at the line and his ability to get off the press. Training camp is coming. The rookies get there July 22nd, followed by the veterans on the 29th. I am giving you a heads up. Get those #12 Jerseys pre-ordered. This Raven is going to do it big!
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.