5 Ways Lee Evans Immediately Improves the Baltimore Ravens Offense

The Baltimore Ravens may have finally gotten over the hump with this one.

Getting Buffalo Bills No. 1 WR Lee Evans for only a fourth round pick was a steal and a half.

That being said, he significantly helps the Ravens' offense, which after releasing WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Derrick Mason, as well as TE Todd Heap was definitely hurting.

Well, they drafted WRs Torrey Smith out of Maryland and Tandon Doss from Indiana, while keeping veteran Anquan Boldin in house.

So, where does Lee fit in?

There are five ways in which he does, and they all tie together as well.

Which in turn, should create an offensive synergy in Baltimore that has been largely a defensive-esque franchise.

Side Note: For the Ravens fans that aren't sure of what they're getting from Lee Evans, click here.

Another Young Receiving Threat

This one obviously, goes without saying.

However, it is a major area that Lee Evans can improve the Baltimore offense.

For starters, he's only 30 years old, whereas T.J. and Mason are 33 and 37 respectively.

He made the Bills offense somewhat dangerous despite their lack of talent at QB, and blocking on the O-line.

Anytime a Buffalo QB managed to find time in or out of the pocket, you know Lee Evans was getting the rock.

Add in the previously mentioned rookies of Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss, along with vet Anquan Boldin, and the Ravens could go four-wide anytime.

Stretches the Field

For as great a WR as Anquan Boldin is, and for as great as both T.J. and Derrick Mason were, none of them could stretch a field like Lee Evans.

He pretty much has all the same tools in his belt as Carolina's Steve Smith, but without the baggage of dealing with a mad-man.

So, when Evans runs his posts, flags, streaks and other double-move routes, it should leave the middle open for Anquan, or Tandon Doss.

Chances are if Balty goes four-wide, rookie Torrey Smith will be opposite Evans running deep to cause mass defensive chaos.

And if the underneath routes are covered, there's a shot at long ball glory downfield.

Increases Their Speed

Ray Rice is fast and quick, Anquan Boldin still has some solid speed for not being a true deep threat and both Tandon Doss and Torrey Smith are young, so you know they have speed.

Well, Lee Evans is also fast, and watching him run routes, if your rooting for the other team, you better pray that the deep safety is ready, otherwise he's getting burned.

Evans has dangerous speed, quickness and acceleration that has gone overlooked because he's played on a bad Bills team since 2004.

If the Ravens set him up on a WR quick screen, middle screen or drag route, he can turn on the jets and practically fly to the end zone.

Thing is, he's arguably more dangerous inside the red zone because of his quickness and agility.

Will Keep the Defenses More Honest

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the Ravens' Achilles Heel for what has seemed like the better part of the 21st century.

Well, fear not Baltimore fans as Lee Evans will arguably be the Ravens best deep threat in franchise history.

This in turn, will cause some concern in not just Pittsburgh, but anyone on the Ravens' schedule.

Here's how it works:

Respect the pass too much, and Ray Rice will run all over and around you.

Respect the run too much, and Lee Evans, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss will beat your secondary and LBs.

There's no way the Ravens will be completely shut-down this season.

Defenses can only hope to slow them down, as they will be very explosive.

Don't be surprised if they run a no-huddle offense come time for the regular season.

Allow Ray Rice To Be Even More Productive

Like I said before, it all ties together, and everything comes full circle.

Well, regardless of how much the Ravens do throw the ball, Ray Rice will become more productive in 2011 as Baltimore will be improved in passing.

Another thing is, that for as much potential as there is in coach John Harbaugh's receiving core, it'll only allow Rice to get even more open on check-downs and screens.

Draws will also become a solid piece to his repertoire, because when defenses are overly cautious of the pass, a delayed handoff up the middle will do wonders.

If you're into playing fantasy football, be sure to get Ray Rice if possible, but just make sure you send a "thank you" letter to Lee Evans.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report,

and you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.