DeMarcus Robinson has made a strong first impression with the Baltimore Ravens, a veteran receiver whose offense has been sorely lacking throughout the offseason. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is already catching up with Robinson on offense and is ready to see his new receiver in action.
“We’ve played him all these years. He’s a big, strong receiver, really strong hands, catching radius,” Harbaugh said. “He’s learning the attack. He couldn’t be into it too much today because he’s still learning the plays, but he’ll pick them up quickly.
“I expect him to play there on Saturday and get on with it. So we’re happy to have him.”
Robinson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason after spending his first six NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He caught 145 passes for 1,679 yards and 14 touchdowns during his career, and played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ offense that won Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season.
Last season, Robinson played a lesser role in Kansas City — finishing with just 25 catches for 364 yards and three touchdowns. Robinson couldn’t find his place with the Raiders, but will have an opportunity for the No. 2 job in Baltimore. Rashod Bateman is No. 1, but James Proche and Devin Duvernay are the top contenders for the No. 2 role.
Baltimore is stacked at tight end with All-Pro Mark Andrews, preseason standout rookie Isaiah Likely and fellow rookie Charlie Kolar. The Ravens have options in the passing game, but don’t have a veteran sidelined among the young squad.
The Ravens drafted Bateman in the first round last season and really liked what he showed in the first year. Since Bateman made his debut in Week 6, he’s tied for fifth among rookies in receptions (46), sixth in receiving yards (515) and fourth in receiving on first downs (29). . He will be the No. 1 wide receiver this year.
Duvernay is one of the best punt returners in the game, leading the league with 13.9 yards per return and having six punt returns over 20 yards — which also led the NFL. He was a first-team All-Pro returner, but only had 53 catches for 473 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons. Close has 17 catches for 216 yards and no touchdowns in two seasons.
The Ravens needed a veteran like Robinson on their roster. For now, they are satisfied with the first results.
