What will be of the young receivers on the Ravens roster?

Last preseason Harbaugh and his coaching staff were trying to get an idea of what young wide receivers Marcus Smith and Justin Harper could offer the Ravens offense. Today fans are counting the days these players have to impress coaches before they are cut from the roster.

Everyone came away with little to no insight as to what Marcus Smith could do because he got injured during the exhibition games and never caught a pass during his rookie year. Justin Harper had gotten an extensive amount of reps with Troy Smith and displayed his inconsistent catching ability and decent route running skills. Going into the season many Ravens fans were worried about who Joe Flacco was going to throw to and rightfully so. As we saw, things worked out thanks to the unsung hero of the 2009 receiving core Kelley Washington.

This season those looking from the outside in see a major improvement in the receiver group because of the veteran presence that has come in to bolster the depth. Anquan Boldin and Dante Stallworth are two players expected to have an immediate impact on the passing game. Unfortunately for players like Marcus Smith and Justin Harper this means younger players will not be split out wide during the regular season because there are so many talented players on the roster playing their position.

Lest we not forget Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams, the two players fighting for the fourth wide receiver spot. Both of these players have more experience in the NFL than Harper and Smith. Clayton holds the franchise record for the most 100 yard receiving games with 8 and Williams has remained since 2006 on the team despite injury because of his ability to make plays down the field.

The proverbial nail in the coffin of Smith and Harper's tenure on the Ravens was the drafting of wide receiver David Reed in the fifth round. Reed has been spotted during OTA's with good hands and route running skills not often seen in a rookie. Reed can also return kicks, something the Ravens made need if Webb has a delayed return. Reed is another player expected to be placed ahead of Smith and Harper on the depth chart.

The only way either man will make the roster is contributing to special teams, something Smith has done but Harper has not. This reason alone is why Smith has a decent chance of making the roster. His biggest deterrent is staying healthy. I do not see Harper making the team this year but he could land on the practice squad. He has not demonstrated he is good enough to be depended upon to catch a pass when needed.