Marlon Brown

The competition for the Ravens’ final receiver spots may be closer than any other position on the team.

Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak said it’s the tightest receiver battle he’s ever seen. Head Coach John Harbaugh told reporters this week that the preseason games will be critical in determining which receivers play their way onto the team.

Perhaps no player made a better case for himself Saturday against the Cowbys than third-year wideout Deonte Thompson. The speedy receiver delivered the games’ biggest play when he ran back a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown.

Thompson is battling behind Torrey Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Jacoby Jones and Marlon Brown for a receiver spot. He’s competing with Kamar Aiken, Michael Campanaro and undrafted rookie Jeremy Butler. The Ravens typically keep five or six receivers on the 53-man roster.