Willie Snead

Snead doesn't have the same responsibilities that most slot receivers do. Rather than being a high-volume target underneath, Snead played the most snaps of any Baltimore receiver last season, but saw just 46 targets -- a dropoff of 49 targets from 2018. That can be explained by Baltimore's usage of Snead as a blocker in the league's most run-heavy offense in addition to tight end Mark Andrews drawing a high percentage of short-to-intermediate targets. Snead is likely to have a minimal role in the passing game again, and Baltimore's selection of Devin Duvernay in the draft could result in an overall playing time reduction, too.

Snead is the lone holdover from Baltimore's starting receiving corps and figures to reprise his role as the Ravens' top slot man in 2019. He played 666 snaps out of the slot last season, absorbing 17.8 percent of the team's targets, while recording 62 grabs for 651 yards and a touchdown. He also posed a threat with the ball in his hands, averaging 4.7 yards after the catch. Like any Ravens receiver, there's some risk involved in Snead that isn't necessarily in his control. Baltimore's passing offense as a whole needs a major facelift, and Snead's splits with Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson are evidence of that. With Flacco, Snead averaged 7.7 targets, 5.0 catches, and 49.8 yards. With Jackson, those averages dropped to 4.0 targets, 2.5 receptions, and 31.6 yards. A full offseason plus a new offensive coordinator should boost the passing game, but Baltimore still projects to be one of the lower-volume passing attacks in the league. Snead will still have a major role, but relative to other slot receivers across the league, his production could disappoint.

Much was expected of Snead last year after two straight 100-target seasons in New Orleans, but a three-game substance-abuse suspension followed by a hamstring injury derailed his campaign. He finished with a meager 16 targets in 11 games, spending most of the year as the Saints' No. 4 receiver. After signing a two-year, $7 million offer sheet - which the Saints declined to match - Snead now finds himself in Baltimore, a major downgrade in passing environment. The silver lining is a clear path to playing time and a lack of competition for targets. Michael Crabtree will likely lead the team in looks, but Snead could have the slot to himself and might well see more targets than injury-prone deep threat John Brown. Don't expect big plays - Snead is only 5-11, 195, and ran a sluggish 4.56 40 - but in PPR formats he could be useful.

It wasn't only Michael Thomas' breakout that made the Saints deem Brandin Cooks expendable. Snead, a former undrafted free agent, also played his way into Drew Brees' circle of trust with his second consecutive strong season. At 5-11, 195 and with below average speed (4.56 40), Snead isn't a downfield playmaker in the mold of Cooks, and he's not a red-zone target like Thomas, either. Snead excels by getting open in the short and intermediate areas of the field and grabbing anything in his vicinity. That Snead was able to average 8.6 YPT (16th among the league's 41 100-target WR) in that role shows how effective he was -- as well as what quarterback he has throwing him the ball. As such, Snead is a stronger pick in PPR, but his volume should increase to the point where he'll be useful in standard formats too, as Cooks' departure leaves 117 Brees targets up for grabs. The Saints brought in home run threat Ted Ginn this offseason, but he's more of a low-volume, high-impact player whose presence should open things up for Thomas and Snead. The only other new pass catcher of note is backup tailback Alvin Kamara, but he's more likely to cut into Mark Ingram's pass-catching work than Snead's. At press time, Snead had yet to sign his exclusive rights tender, but he showed up for the Saints' offseason program hoping a long-term deal could be worked out.

Cut by the Panthers and Browns in 2014, Snead, an undrafted free agent, was one of the more unlikely breakouts last year. Snead became Drew Brees' No. 2 target and excelled in the role, averaging 14.3 YPC and 9.7 YPT (5th). While he had only two catches of 40-plus yards, Snead hauled in 14 of 20 or more. At 5-11, 195, Snead isn't much of a red-zone target (only nine looks), and his 4.56 40 speed precludes many downfield plays. Consequently, he's not going to score often. The Saints added Michael Thomas and Coby Fleener this offseason, and top target Brandin Cooks isn't going anywhere, so Snead's ceiling is modest, especially in non-PPR leagues.

Snead will compete for playing time on a crowded Saints' receiver depth chart. The second-year pro out of Ball State was cut twice in 2014 - once by the Browns during training camp and again in the fall from the Panthers' practice squad - but is likely to make the Saints' final roster this season. Snead isn't all that big or all that fast, but he catches everything thrown his way. With Kenny Stills in Miami, there's an opening for a player to emerge as the third wide receiver behind Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks, but Snead's path to playing time is unclear, with Brandon Coleman, Joseph Morgan, Josh Morgan, and Snead all battling for depth chart positioning and snaps.

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