Baltimore Ravens: Can they replace Torrey Smith?

Wide receiver Torrey Smith revealed in an online post on his site that he will not be returning to the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. Within free agency and the NFL Draft, can the Ravens find a replacement?

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Smith finished his four seasons in Baltimore with 213 receptions for 3,591 yards and 30 touchdowns. He ranks third in all-time Ravens receiving yards and according to Pro Football Reference is tops in yards per reception.

He joins Jacoby Jones on the way out of Baltimore. Jones was released by the Ravens and has since joined the San Diego Chargers.

Smith’s departure means that Steve Smith Sr. is the only wide receiver remaining on the roster who caught at least passes for the Ravens in 2014. Smith Sr. will be 36-years-old when the 2015 season kicks off, so general manager Ozzie Newsome would be wise to look to the future this offseason.

Nov 9, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back

Justin Forsett

(29) celebrates with wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively, the Ravens have some work to do this offseason. Along with the need at wide receiver, they could also do with a running back and tight end. Justin Forsett is set to hit free agency, and they would want to bring in a back that can ideally pick up where Forsett left off.

As for tight end, Owen Daniels will become a free agent as well. Dennis Pitta remains on the roster, but his future is in serious doubt due to a hip injury.

Newsome could find some help in the draft that begins on April 30. This year’s class is stacked at the running back position, and there also plenty of options in the passing game to find a replacement for Smith.

Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If they opt for a receiver with the 26th selection of the first-round, Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong could be an option for them. Strong is a big (6’2″, 217 pounds) and physical player. He has the tools to become dangerous threat in the NFL.

Strong has good leaping ability and is able to make contested catches. His 42-inch vertical jump at the NFL Scouting Combine was second-best among wide receivers.

An intriguing option in the first-round would be Michigan’s Devin Funchess. Funchess played as a wide receiver in 2014, but was a tight end from 2012-13. His size (6’4″, 232 pounds) can cause mismatches for opposing defenses if he is used creatively. It’s possible he could play a hybrid role in the Ravens’ offense. Funchess is able to line up outside, in the slot or even at tight end.

Devin Funchess said he's a ballplayer not TE or WR and said he has Ravens on his schedule tonight.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) February 19, 2015

The main concern would be whether he can transition back to tight end and play the position at a high enough level in the NFL. Even so, he has the physical tools, a lot of potential and could be an ideal fit for the Ravens.

Nov 8, 2014; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats cornerback Matthew Harris (27) breaks up a pass against Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) in the second half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

In the later rounds, the Ravens could find value in a player such as USC’s Nelson Agholor. Agholor is expected to be primarily a slot receiver in the NFL, so he would offer a different threat than Smith. He is a good route-runner and has the ability to get open when the quarterback is scrambling. Those traits aren’t dissimilar from Green Bay’s Randall Cobb.

A receiver in the mid-rounds that has similar attributes to Smith is Tre McBride. McBride (6’0″, 210 pounds), is similar in size to Smith (6’0″, 206 pounds). He could become a deep threat for Joe Flacco in the passing game. In his four years at William & Mary, McBride averaged 13.5 yards per reception.

Losing Smith is obviously a blow to the Ravens offense. With Jones also departing and Steve Smith Sr. moving closer to the end of his career, Newsome will want to dip into the pool of wide receivers in this year’s draft.

There are certainly options available to them. In the early rounds, they will be able to find some more polished, pro-ready options like Jaelen Strong. Later on, they can find players with the physical tools like Tre McBride who could become an important player in the future.

Whether Newsome looks to improve his group of pass-catchers via free agency or in the draft, the success of his choices could determine just how well the Ravens perform in 2015.

Next: Baltimore Ravens 5 Burning Questions

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