Baltimore Ravens: Is DeAndre Carter a hidden gem?

By Luis Tirado Jr. | May 29, 2015

It’s rare that an undrafted rookie free agent makes a splash during organized team activities. Such is the case with wide receiver DeAndre Carter and his impact so far on the Baltimore Ravens. It’s no secret that the Ravens needed to bolster their wide receiving corps this offseason and in addition to drafting Breshad Perriman and Darren Waller in the 2015 NFL Draft, they are hoping that another candidate emerges to add some solid receiving targets for Joe Flacco this upcoming season. Could Carter be the hidden gem the Ravens are looking for?

In his collegiate career at Sacramento State, Carter contributed 2,760 yards on 207 receptions and 35 touchdowns. He averaged 13.3 yards per reception while showing off his solid speed and ability to make plays once the football was in his hands.

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With an incredible work ethic and tenacity to get the job done, so far during OTAs for the Ravens Carter has been shining. In an article written by Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, Carter plays with a huge chip on his shoulder due to his small size and the school he actually played for. Here’s what he had to say about his opportunity with the Ravens:

"“I always play with a chip on my shoulder,” Carter said. “I come from a small school and people say I’m undersized. Personally, I feel like I should have been drafted.“I want to go out and prove to everyone who passed on me that they missed out. I definitely have a chip on my shoulder.”"

Needless to say, not getting drafted when you know you’ve got the talent to make it in the NFL gives tremendous motivation to prove all the critics wrong. Considering that he turned down other offers from other teams speaks highly about his chances and belief in making some big contributions for the Ravens this upcoming season.

Carter is talented enough to not only play as a slot receiver but also in returning kickoffs and punts. Not only did he return a punt for a touchdown last season, his kickoff return average was 23.7 yards. He could very well be a key contributor on special teams to put the Ravens in a better position to win plenty of football games thanks to better field positioning.

May 28, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Carter (16) catches a pass during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Of course Carter isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination. He still has to work on grasping the complexity of the Ravens’ offensive playbook as well as make up for his lack of size at the position. At 5’8″ and 185 pounds, Carter will need to utilize his speed and make a big impact with every opportunity that comes his way.

Considering that he impressed many in his initial first impressions at the Ravens’ rookie minicamp, Carter is definitely building up momentum to make a name for himself this upcoming season.

His motivation to be successful and the fact that he made a promise to his 17-year-old brother before he passed away to make it in the NFL will fuel him for his entire pro career.

Overall, it will be exciting to see what he does over the next few months all the way to his eventual debut in the NFL. Keep an eye on him as the potential is there for him to be a hidden gem on the Ravens and develop as a true offensive weapon that can use his skill-set to push them even further come next season.

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