NFL preseason 2015: Players with most to prove

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Breshad Perriman (Central Florida) is selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens – Breshad Perriman

Why is he the pick?

General manager Ozzie Newsome made a tough decision in free agency this offseason, when he allowed Torrey Smith to hit the market. Smith had been productive for his four years with Baltimore, totaling 3,951 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns. Smith is one of the best deep threats in the game, and now plays for the San Francisco 49ers. To replace him, Newsome spent his first-round choice on Perriman.

Breshad, the son of former NFL receiver Brett, is known for his blazing speed. Perriman ran a sub 4.3 40-yard dash time at his South Florida pro day, but his hands have been discussed as questionable throughout the last few months. If Perriman can replace Smith as a deep threat and make some plays after the catch, he will be a raging success.

What is at stake?

With Steve Smith Sr. as the only proven receiver on the roster, Perriman needs to be productive or teams will begin rolling coverage over Smith. If Perriman can’t stretch the field and force the top off of the defense, the Ravens will have to produce longer, clock-killing drives instead of being able to use Joe Flacco’s massive arm. If Baltimore wants to have an explosive offense, Perriman needs to be a fast learner.

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