Tommy Streeter: 'I want to be an all-around receiver'

For lanky Ravens rookie wide receiver Tommy Streeter, now is the time to work on his weaknesses.

Ranking first on his priority list: rehabilitating the sprained ligaments in his left foot and ankle that have sidelined him for the year on injured reserve.

There's a bigger-picture goal, though, for the 6-foot-5, 220-pound former Miami player.

During the preseason and offseason minicamps, it was evident that Streeter was having difficulty, as a taller player, lowering his pad level, bending his knees and accelerating in and out of his breaks to make the sharp cuts a receiver needs to elude quick defensive backs.

While I'm out, I'm working on strengthening my legs so I can get low," Streeter said. "Being this tall, it's tougher to bend and get down low. That's one thing you need is that low pad level coming in and out of your breaks for that explosion and lateral movement and things like that.

"So, I'm strengthening my legs in the weight room and working on my rehab, on my balance, on everything to put my lower body together. I just want to be stronger, especially my lower body."

During the preseason, Streeter caught four passes for 52 yards and one touchdown.

The jump ball was a particular highlight for Streeter with his height and leaping ability.

"I'm not worried about that, but there's always things you can perfect to make it that much easier," said Streeter, who caught 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior before declaring for the NFL draft. "I want to be an all-around receiver. I need to get off the line, get into that quick separation. Once everything is healed, I want to maximize my potential.

"I miss those days. I miss being out on the field with these guys. I was able to learn a lot during the course of time I was out there."

As for the rehab, Streeter, who didn't require surgery, said he'll be prepared for a full offseason.

"I should be ready," Streeter said. "I feel myself getting back. Each day, I do mor eand more. Everything is going good. I can feel myself getting stronger, getting better."


(baltimoresun.com)