The new-look Baltimore Ravens were on full display during the 2019 season. It all began in the 2018 NFL Draft when the Ravens traded up to select Lamar Jackson with the last pick in the first round. In the 2019 draft, Baltimore got Jackson a weapon. Marquise Brown was taken 25th overall by the Ravens.

Brown was one of the most explosive players in college football. This led to him being the first wide receiver selected out of the 2019 class. In his first game as a pro, Brown gave the Ravens what they were expecting. He caught four passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including one from 83 yards out. In Week 2, Brown followed up his strong first game with eight catches for 86 yards.

After Week 2, Brown's production went down significantly. He had eight games where he logged three catches or fewer. Brown did not log another 100-yard game all season and was actually held under 10 yards three times. This includes a game against the Buffalo Bills where Brown caught three passes for -2 yards.

Brown's Rookie Grade

There was a lot of production from rookie receivers this season. A.J. Brown, Terry McLaurin, and D.K. Metcalf highlighted a class that is expected to be successful for a long time. Brown had the hottest start but also the biggest fall.

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Brown finished eighth among all rookies in receiving yards. He finished ninth in receptions and tied for third in touchdowns. Let's not forget that he scored in just five games since he had two multi-touchdown games. Brown's numbers do not jump off the page but it is necessary to look at the Ravens' game plans.

Baltimore finished 14-2 this season and they did it on the ground. They led the league by a large margin averaging 206 rushing yards per game. Through the air, the Ravens finished 27th with 201.6 yards per game. Brown finished second on the Ravens in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

Grading Brown's rookie season is a special case considering the running ability of the Ravens. Brown finished as the second best pass catcher on a 14-2 team. Regardless, he did disappear over the course of games and did not play at a consistent level. Brown displayed his elite speed and the ability to be a deep ball threat but not much else. Ultimately, Brown will improve as a complete receiver but he was not that over the course of his first season.

Brown's Rookie Season Grade: C-