"Anquan Boldin isn't only the Baltimore Ravens' most accomplished, trusted wide receiver.

He has also become the primary mentor to one of the youngest wide receiver corps in the NFL following the departure of Derrick Mason to the New York Jets. The arrival of speedy Lee Evans doesn't change the equation for what Boldin means to the Ravens' offense.

Since Mason, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth are gone, the former Pro Bowl selection remains the unquestioned top downfield option for quarterback Joe Flacco.

"I know why they brought me here," said Boldin, who's playing under a four-year, $28 million contract since being acquired via a trade last year from the Arizona Cardinals. "I don't shy away from things like that."

Boldin manufactured a solid first season in Baltimore that didn't come close to approaching the big numbers he piled up opposite Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona. He caught 64 passes for 837 yards and seven touchdowns working opposite Mason. This year, the Ravens would be thrilled if Boldin caught somewhere between 80 and 100 passes.

With Boldin and Flacco having a year together to build timing and rapport, their connection should be more potent this fall. Plus, Flacco traveled to Arizona to throw to Boldin during the NFL lockout.

"We definitely feel the chemistry getting better," Boldin said. "We're starting to see the same things. We're on the same page as far as this offense is concerned. I certainly see us having a better year together."

While the Ravens will utilize Evans as a deep threat and rookies Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss as complementary targets, it's Boldin who's being counted on the most."