Ravens receiver Marlon Brown trying to improve 'at every aspect of the game'

As an undrafted free agent from Georgia, wide receiver Marlon Brown wound up as the prize of the Ravens' rookie class in 2013.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound receiver emerged as a key player, catching 49 passes for 524 yards and leading the team with seven touchdowns to set a rookie franchise record. He caught the game-winning touchdown with four seconds remaining in a dramatic victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the snow.

As the Ravens' organized team activities begin Wednesday, Brown has set his ambitions on continuing to improve his skills in his second NFL season. He wants to continue to polish his route-running, work on his hands and increase his understanding of how cornerbacks try to counter his moves.

"Honestly, man, I'm trying to get better at every aspect of the game, learning the game," Brown said. "I'm trying to play better every day. Everything all-around as far as catching the ball, deep balls, short balls, reading defensive schemes."

Brown led the Ravens in performance-based pay, earning an additional $235,461 for his rookie success on top of his three-year, $1.49 million contract he signed last year. The money is deferred until April 1, 2016.

Unlike last year at this time when he was still recuperating from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in November of 2012, Brown has his full explosiveness working in his favor.

"I feel like I have more time to learn to be a receiver now," Brown said. "Last year, I was rehabbing a lot trying to get ready. I know what I can do and what I can't do. I'm going real hard on my weaknesses and trying to get better at them."

Already, he's making his former coaches at Georgia proud.

"To come in there and earn a job with the Ravens and contribute right away and make an impact, that says a lot about Marlon and the kind of talent that he has," Georgia wide receivers coach Tony Ball said by telephone. "That's what we always saw in him, that kind of ability. There's no ceiling on what Marlon can do."

awilson@baltsun.com
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