It's fair to say that nothing went right for the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. Very rarely do you see one team lose its starting quarterback, running back, multiple wide receivers, its best pass rusher and more in a single season. The Ravens were truly ravaged by injuries this year en route to a 5-11 campaign.
Perhaps one of the more disappointing storylines to emerge this season -- aside from the season-ending injuries to Joe Flacco, Steve Smith, Justin Forsett, Terrell Suggs and others - was the lack of action for rookie first-rounder Breshad Perriman. Described by many as a stronger and faster version of Torrey Smith, Perriman was expected to come in as a dangerous home run threat from Day 1. Unfortunately for the Ravens, injuries kept him sidelined for the entire year. However, once fully healthy, Perriman could help revitalize Flacco in 2016 while also providing a boost for fantasy football owners.
"The 26th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Perriman missed his entire rookie campaign because of knee troubles," ESPN's Mike Clay wrote. "An intriguing size/speed prospect, he ran a ridiculous 4.26 40-yard dash last year and sports a 6-foot-2, 218-pound frame. Steve Smith Sr. will return as Joe Flacco's top target, but a healthy Perriman will be right on the 27-year-old's heels. With massive upside and a clear path to significant offensive role as a de facto rookie, Perriman certainly belongs in the WR3 discussion."
Perriman hauled in 50 catches for 1,044 yards (a ridiculous 20.9 yards per catch average) and nine touchdowns during his final season at Central Florida (with Blake Bortles throwing to him). Will he be able to hit the ground running quite like that in the NFL? Probably not.
Missing your entire rookie season is never good for your development. But at least he's had a year to absorb the playbook and the Ravens should be significantly healthier on offense in 2016. Topping fellow big play rookie Stefon Diggs' totals of 52 receptions for 720 yards and four touchdowns is well within reason for a healthy Perriman.
