Raven Trade for Bills WR Lee Evans.........

Ravens step up, trade for Lee Evans

Baltimore badly needed veteran receiver Brad Biggs


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http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c191.../static/NL.png The Baltimore Ravens finished their pursuit to replace Derrick Mason by adding a wide receiver that should add an element of a deep threat to the offense.

The Ravens acquired Lee Evans from the Buffalo Bills this afternoon, sending a fourth-round draft pick in exchange for the veteran playmaker.

The 30-year-old Evans is a solid replacement for Mason, who the team cut for salary-cap reasons and hoped to re-sign. He was a strong performer for the Bills since being a first-round draft pick in 2004 despite the fact that the team’s quarterback play has been uneven at best.

Evans is under contract through 2012 and will earn $3.275 million this season. The Ravens needed to add someone because Anquan Boldin, who didn’t make a big impact last season, is the only veteran target on the team. Evans made six receptions for 105 yards and three touchdowns in a game against the Ravens last season.

“Our fans will remember him from his outstanding game against us last season,” Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a release. “He’s a quality veteran receiver who stretches the field and gives us a significant downfield presence. He’s the type of person you want on your team. He brings leadership and maturity to the locker room.”

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Not a guy we need after getting RWill and Hurd but I wouldn't have minded giving up our 2012 4th for him. Not an especially big guy but tough and a good clutch WR.

Veteran WR can stretch the top of the defense. Matt Bowen
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http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c191.../static/NL.png Last night, when reports surfaced that the Bills were looking to deal Lee Evans, I broke down why the WR can still have an impact this season. The main reason: vertical speed to test the top of the defense.
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c191...wyg/Evans2.jpgICONEvans brings vertical speed and experience to the Ravens.
And that’s why I like the play from the Ravens to send a 4th round pick (according to ESPN) over to Buffalo to get Evans in a uniform this season.

Think about the Baltimore offense in terms of the passing game. As I’ve said before, Anquan Boldin might be one of the best pure football players in this game, but I still see him having an impact inside of the numbers: 3-step game, Hi-Lo concepts, etc. Make the catch, get up field and produce.

After the trade, the Ravens now have an experienced WR that can align outside of the numbers and run the top of the NFL route tree. Big for QB Joe Flacco.

Sure, Baltimore drafted Torrey Smith (a rookie with elite vertical speed). But I can tell you from my own experiences in the NFL, rookie receivers will take some time to transition to the pro game. There are no guarantees there for Baltimore this season.

Plus, look around the league. Every offense in the NFL will show multiple looks. Gone are the days of the base Pro Sets. Teams need numbers at the WR position. And you get that sense of “accountability” with Evans. The vet brings a pro approach to the locker room and expected production for this offense.

Smart move here from the Ravens—and one that is going to give this offense a more complete look in 2011.

Follow me on Twitter: MattBowen41