Late Round Target: Why Kamar Aiken Could Be The Ravens Most Valuable WR

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

The Baltimore Ravens have some names in their receiving corps, but does that mean they have value/potential production?  The names are obvious, but they also come with significant questions/concerns:

Steve Smith – He is 37-years old and saw his 2015 campaign end after 7 games thanks to a ruptured Achilles tendon (an injury he reportedly is still not 100% recovered from)…

Mike Wallace – He’s Mike Wallace…  Do we need to say any more?  OK, how about playing a full 16 games in ’15 and managing just 39 receptions for 473 yards…

Breshad Perriman – Injury cost him his rookie season and he’s already suffered a partially torn ACL, further setting him back in his time on the field/development…

That leaves us with Kamar Aiken, who is coming of a 75 reception, 944 yard performance for the Ravens in 2015 that is flying relatively under-the-radar.  While the other three receivers have the bigger name appeal, could it be Aiken who ultimately provides the best performance?

He certainly turned up his production in the second half of last season, showing that he can produce on a regular basis:

• First 8 Games – 25 receptions, 333 yards, 2 TD
• Final 8 Games – 50 receptions, 611 yards, 3 TD

He proved that he can make plays in the short-to-intermediate range, but he’s also capable of making big plays (6 receptions on passes thrown 20+ yards).  At 6’2” he hardly represents the team’s tallest wide receiver, though among those likely to see significant playing time he is among the biggest.  That could lead to him being a factor in the red zone, only adding to his appeal.

That alone puts him on radars, but then we get the draft day cost.  Currently Aiken owns an average ADP of 154.5, placing him as the 57th wide receiver coming off the board.  That seems crazy, considering the numbers he put up last season and the potential opportunity, but that’s where we are.  At that type of cost, why not take the gamble?

Sources – ESPN, CBS Sports, Fantasy Pros