After failing to stick on the active roster his rookie season, Kamar Aiken was active for all 16 games last year for the Ravens and wound up with 24 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Aiken is a 6’2 big-bodied receiver with the ability to wall off defenders and fight for jump balls. He fills a need for the Ravens and will be in the mix with rookie Breshad Perriman for a starting role opposite veteran Steve Smith.
Fantasy Upside
Aiken has had a good camp and is currently listed atop the depth chart as the outside receiver opposite Smith. He’s got enough speed to get downfield, but excels in the red zone. With Torrey Smith gone from the offense, the potential is there for Aiken to battle with Perriman and Marlon Brown for a significant increase in snaps and targets this season, making him an intriguing fantasy prospect.
Fantasy Downside
Aiken doesn’t demonstrate elite WR skills and lacks the considerable upside of Perriman. He’ll have an uphill battle to hold onto the spot atop the depth chart as the Ravens will be hoping Perriman will emerge sooner rather than later. Even if Aiken starts, he will have limited fantasy value as he will be competing for targets with two tight ends, a solid group of running backs and Smith.
Bottom Line
Expect Aiken to start in the preseason and then move back to a reserve role as the season gets going. He is not as much of a playmaker as Perriman projects to be and he isn’t the red zone threat that Marlon Brown is. While he will likely make the roster and continue to get some occasional looks in the passing game, his limited role will probably put him back in the 20-30 catch range this season. He shouldn’t be drafted in most leagues, barring any injuries during the preseason to the other Ravens receivers.