Marlon Brown

Brown came out of nowhere for the Ravens in 2013, becoming a big-bodied red-zone threat and nabbing seven scores in the process. He’s hasn’t reached those highs since, but Gary Kubiak, Brown’s offensive coordinator in 2014, thought enough of him to bring him to Denver in 2016. Injuries and Denver’s depth at the position meant that Brown never broke into the stat column. With much of the same cast of characters in place for 2017, and two promising draft picks added, it’s hard to see a scenario in which Brown makes the final 53-man roster.

Perhaps first-round pick Breshad Perriman right away fills the void left by the departed Torrey Smith, and 36-year-old Steve Smith Sr. reprises his role as the team's top target. But if either of those scenarios don't come to pass, Brown should have an opening. At 6-5, 214, Brown has ideal red-zone size, something the decent-sized Perriman and the diminutive Smith lack, and as a rookie in 2013, Brown caught seven touchdowns on just 83 looks. Brown isn't fast, so don't look for many big plays — that's Perriman's department. But given tight end Dennis Pitta's uncertain health, Smith's age and Perriman's inexperience, Brown is on the short list of options for quarterback Joe Flacco this season.

Brown had an impressive campaign in 2013 for an undrafted rookie in a moribund passing offense, but with Jacoby Jones returning and veteran Steve Smith coming to Baltimore, the youngster could be hard-pressed to build on last season's numbers. On the other hand at 6-4, 215, Brown is the closest thing to a big, physical receiver on the Ravens' roster, which could lead to some extra looks in the red zone. With Torrey and Steve Smith headed for the starting roles, Jones and Brown will be left to compete for whatever's left, with Jones holding the preseason edge for the No. 3 gig.

Brown, a former five-star recruit, is an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Georgia. He made an impression during training camp and appears to be a legitimate candidate to earn one of the Ravens' final roster spots.