3rd Round: WR KJ Hamler, Penn State
The Ravens need to think about eventually replacing Snead, who is only under contract for the 2020 season. Picking up a slot receiver in the third makes a lot of sense and Hamler would be a great option inside for Baltimore.
Hamler was compared to Tavon Austin by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, which is fitting. However, he has less wear on his legs than Austin did coming out of college, though he still had plenty of production with a huge yard-per-catch average at Penn State. He’s got deep speed and wiggle in the open field. He can either stretch the field or take a short pass the distance. Hamler is also a talented return specialist, a role Baltimore is looking to fill this offseason.
However, just like Austin and even Marquise Brown, his size and durability are a concern. He could also fall into the same trap so many small but electric receivers have, struggling to find a real role outside of being the gadget player in an offense.
But in an inventive offense like Baltimore employs, Hamler and Brown being the “burners” should help open up the middle of the field for Andrews while creating further indecision from slot defenders and linebackers on where the ball is going.