James Proche

The Marquise Brown trade during the draft has left the Ravens' pass-catching pecking order up for much discussion. Beyond Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, there's a heated competition brewing between several young players, including Proche. The third-year receiver has a slot-only skill set, which could work to his benefit as the Ravens could be forced to bump Devin Duvernay, who played 380 slot snaps in 2021, to the outside opposite Bateman. Proche lacks flashy athleticism but he's sure-handed, having caught 16 of 20 targets last season after reeling in 204 catches on 320 targets in his last two seasons at SMU. Much of Proche's value is tied to how Baltimore wants to deploy Duvernay, but if Proche becomes the preferred slot option, he becomes an interesting late-round target in PPR.

The pressure is on the second-year wideout to secure a roster spot after Baltimore added free agent Sammy Watkins and a pair of high draft picks to bolster its depth at that position. Proche, a 2020 sixth-round selection, was a productive college player who brings strong hands and meticulous route running to the field but his athleticism is below average for an NFL receiver. His best path to a roster spot could be through special teams as the top punt returner on the team. Provided he makes the team, his snaps on offense could be limited due to the Ravens' newfound depth at receiver.

Proche comes to Baltimore after an extremely productive college career. He tied for the FBS lead in receptions with 111 as a senior and he pulled in 15 touchdowns. However, there are reasons why Proche was available in the sixth round: age and athleticism. Proche will turn 24 early in his rookie season, which means he is likely near the end of his physical maturation. That's an issue because Proche tested as a below-average athlete for his position at the combine, low-lighted by a 7.27 cone drill that ranked in the fifth percentile. The lack of top end athleticism leaves a thin margin for error for Proche, but players like Diontae Johnson have similar measurables and have made an impact. As for Proche, he's likely to be a rotational piece at best in one of the lower volume passing attacks in the league in 2020.