Can Dez Bryant Actually Help The Ravens?

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are reeling. Jackson has regressed and they’re desperate to create a spark any possible way to spark the offense. Dez Bryant was activated to the active roster after being promoted from the practice squad.

Baltimore actually needs Bryant. They aren’t talentless at the receiver position but it’s far from perfect. Marquise Brown is more of a deep threat than a true number one wide out. The rest of the bunch includes Willie Snead, Devin Duvernay, and Miles Boykin. There’s a pathway for Bryant to find his niche.

The problem with Bryant is the fact that it doesn’t look like he can run anymore. He was never the fastest guy in the world but it looks like he clearly lost a step. That’s the biggest concern. The former Cowboys standout hasn’t played an actual game since 2017. That’s a looooooong time ago!

Furthermore, Bryant wasn’t effective the last time we saw him. On 132 targets, Bryant notched 69 receptions for 838 yards and six touchdowns. Bryant was incredibly inefficient and struggled to get open. Again, that was three years ago.

The last time Bryant truly tried to make a comeback, he tore his Achilles with the Saints and never saw the field. Bryant can’t afford to be less explosive than he already was.

It’s hard to have a lot of confidence this experiment is going to work. Physicality won’t be the issue for Bryant. I have no doubt that at the age of 32, Bryant has enough in the tank to win some 50-50 balls. However, we’re forgetting his quarterback is Lamar Jackson. Not exactly the guy you want being a precision passer. Jackson would thrive better in a system with guys that get open creating more margin for error.

2018 NFL Scouting Combine: Offensive Line Notes

Good luck with this one Baltimore. Maybe it’s a risk worth taking but it’s hard to count on Dez Bryant actually being a legit contributor.

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