The Baltimore Ravens are in need of a top wide receiver this offseason. With free agency having little to no good options, the Ravens will likely have to take their best shot at the 2019 NFL draft. Among the names many fans know is Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.
Metcalf has been considered one of the top options in this draft class. That was cemented after an amazing NFL scouting combine performance in which he ran a 4.33 40-yard dash (3rd among wide receivers), put up 27 reps on the bench press (1st), 40.5-inch vertical jump (4th) and 134-inch broad jump (5th).
At Baltimore’s pre-draft press conference, the Ravens spoke highly of what they’ve seen from Metcalf. General manager Eric DeCosta and Director of College Scouting Joe Hortiz made some lofty comparisons to Terrell Owens and Demaryius Thomas.
Owens has been one of the most prolific and consistent wide receivers in NFL history. Over a 15-year career, Owens averaged nearly 72 receptions for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns per season.
Thomas might not be at the same level as Owens but has been highly productive as well. In nine seasons in the NFL, Thomas has been over 1,000 receiving yards five times. His best season came in 2014 when he caught 111 passes for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns. Over a five-year span with the Denver Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning, Thomas averaged 98 receptions for 1,374 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Though both wide receivers have had off-field issues, the on-field comparisons have certainly set the bar pretty high for Metcalf. While you have to take what teams say at these pre-draft pressers with a whole bag of salt, it sounds like Baltimore likes what Metcalf could bring to the Ravens if he’s available at No. 22.
