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How can the Baltimore Ravens overtake the New England Patriots in the AFC?

By Freddie Boston

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Wide Receivers

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a long pass to set up a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the Ravens had a talented wide receiver duo in Steve Smith Sr. and Torrey Smith.

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    • Steve Smith caught 79 passes for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns, while Torrey Smith caught 49 passes for 767 yards and 11 touchdowns.

    There has been question marks over both wideouts’ futures:

    Steve Smith will be 36 when the 2015 season begins, and many people have questioned whether he will retire, although the speculation has been dismissed by Smith. Following the playoff loss to the Patriots, Smith wrote on his Instagram account that the fans should “look forward to a better season next year”.

    Head coach Jim Harbaugh added at the scouting combine on Wednesday:

    "“He’s excited. He’s planning on being back. We’re planning on having him back. That’s a goal of ours. I don’t see any reason why that wouldn’t happen,” Harbaugh said."

    As for Torrey Smith, he is set to become a free agent.

    Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

    Should he walk, reinforcements will need to be added in free agency or the draft.

    While it is unlikely the likes of Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Randall Cobb will be available by the time March 10 rolls around, there are still a number of talented receivers who could be available for the Ravens:

    San Diego’s Eddie Royal and San Francisco’s Michael Crabtree would be good fits for the Ravens, and should be affordable.

    Royal finished 2014 with 778 yards from 62 receptions, scoring seven touchdowns.

    Crabtree, coming off the back of an Achilles injury in 2013, had 68 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns.

    In the draft, the likes of Kevin White, Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker are likely to be taken by the time the Ravens are on the clock, but they can get some good value later on.

    The 6’6″ Dorial Green-Beckham from Oklahoma can cause size mismatches with defenders, and could be available for the Ravens in the first or second round. The likes of Florida State’s Rashad Greene and Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett could be good value in the later rounds.

    For the Baltimore Ravens to overtake the New England Patriots in the AFC, they have a few areas to improve in the offseason. They need serious enhancements to their secondary in a conference with a number of elite quarterbacks, while also adding more talent to the running game and receiving corps.

    If they can achieve this in the offseason, the Ravens will once again be a dangerous threat in 2015, and could well represent the AFC in Santa Clara next February.

    Next: Denver Broncos Will Take a Step Back in 2015

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