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Ravens WR depth chart: Diontae Johnson addition to dynamic offense with Lamar Jackson

tom viera, usa today
·3-min read

A trade involving wide receiver Diontae Johnson was expected for weeks, and on Oct. 29 the Baltimore Ravens made it official. The Ravens didn't seem to be one of the favorites to land the former second-team All-Pro wideout, but they made the move.

Some NFL fans and analysts would say the Ravens are all-in this season, and this move may justify that thought. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Ravens are sending the Carolina Panthers a fifth-round pick for Johnson and a sixth-round pick in 2025.

With the trade to the Ravens complete, here's a look at how Jonhson fits with Baltimore.

Diontae Johnson fit with the Ravens

The chemistry on the field between Lamar Jackson and Johnson is to be determined but the Ravens offense just improved further with this move: According to FTN, Baltimore's offense ranks first in offensive DVOA.

Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability has made it a nightmare for opposing defenses to game plan for, and the addition of Johnson adds another wrinkle to Todd Monken's offense. Meanwhile. Derrick Henry is nearly on pace to break the single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson.

"King Henry" is in the midst of an outstanding first season in Baltimore, as he leads the league with 946 rushing yards entering Week 9. Baltimore has had plenty of success on the ground with Henry and Justice Hill, leading the NFL in total offense per game (452.1) and rushing yards (200.0). The Ravens are on pace for 7,685 total yards, which would break the single-season record set by the Saints in 2011.

Jonhson's ability to the stress the opposing defense can't be overlooked. With Johnson and Zay Flowers on the field, opposing coordinators may no longer be able to dial up consistent double coverage on the Ravens receivers. Rashod Bateman is an excellent blocker, and his role in the passing game will decrease, but he remains a terrific third receiver.

The Ravens typically run 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers). Flowers and Johnson will primarily be the two receivers on the field.

Johnson should help give Jackson more open options when dropping back. According to ESPN, Johnson has finished inside the top 11 in “Open Score” in each of the previous five seasons. One thing is for certain: The Ravens are motivated to win now, and Johnson's addition could propel the offense to greater heights. Johnson could make his Ravens debut as early as Week 9 when the Ravens host the Broncos.

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Ravens WR depth chart

The Ravens have seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster. Flowers and Johnson are the most likely to play the most snaps. Rashod Bateman will move into the third receiver role, while the veteran Agholor could be relegated to the bench. Wallace and Walker have combined for just two catches on the season.

Harty was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 19 but can return in four weeks. When he returns, he will likely resume his punt/kick return role.

Diontae Johnson contract details

Diontae Johnson signed a 2-year, $36,710,000 contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 4, 2022. The contract runs through the 2024 season and has an average annual value of $18,355,000. It also came with a $17,500,000 signing bonus and $19,000,000 guaranteed.

Johnson is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ravens WR depth chart: Diontae Johnson trade fit with Lamar Jackson