26 May 2015
Biggest Post-Draft Weakness: Defensive Line Depth
Baltimore did a very good job of filling some of its biggest needs in the draft. Joe Flacco needed young receivers and the Ravens obliged with tight end Maxx Williams and wide receiver Breshad Perriman. Both should see plenty of action right away, supplying an answer at every position for the offense.
The secondary sunk Baltimore's 2014 season thanks to six defensive backs finishing on injured reserve. Better health, especially for cornerback Jimmy Smith, should help fix that problem, and the Ravens have also added veterans Kyle Arrington and Kendrick Lewis to the group.
The biggest loss remains Haloti Ngata, a probable future Hall of Fame defender who was traded to Detroit. Ngata brought plenty of versatility and leadership to this unit, two qualities that are hard to replace with young players. Brandon Williams has secured one starting position on the line, but second-year end Timmy Jernigan will hope to replace Ngata after he flashed with four sacks last year. Jernigan had six quarterback hits, which was one more than Williams, Ngata, and Chris Canty combined. Canty is going on 33 years old and did not register a single quarterback hurry last year according to Football Outsiders game charting. The ship has sailed long ago on Terrence Cody (released in January) replacing Ngata, so it's really up to what Jernigan and the other young players can do this year ? including third-round pick Carl Davis (Iowa), who slipped in the draft for his lack of pass-rushing production.
Notable Undrafted Free Agent Additions: Safety Nick Perry sat behind Mark Barron, Vinnie Sunseri and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at Alabama, which explains his lack of early playing time. Once given a shot in 2013, he partially torn his labrum and was placed on a medical redshirt. Last season he had a career year with 80 tackles and two interceptions, but still went undrafted. The Colts and Patriots worked him out prior to the draft. In a post-Ed Reed world, the Ravens have been looking for answers at safety, and Perry could be a player to watch this preseason.
With the Ravens letting Jacoby Jones go, speedy slot receiver DeAndre Carter (Sacramento State) has a shot to make an impact on special teams. Wide receiver Daniel Brown (James Madison) was also picked up after the draft and has great size at 6-foot-5. Ohio State tackle Darryl Baldwin was lauded for his pass protection, but will need to improve as a run blocker.
Biggest Post-Draft Weakness: Defensive Line Depth
Baltimore did a very good job of filling some of its biggest needs in the draft. Joe Flacco needed young receivers and the Ravens obliged with tight end Maxx Williams and wide receiver Breshad Perriman. Both should see plenty of action right away, supplying an answer at every position for the offense.
The secondary sunk Baltimore's 2014 season thanks to six defensive backs finishing on injured reserve. Better health, especially for cornerback Jimmy Smith, should help fix that problem, and the Ravens have also added veterans Kyle Arrington and Kendrick Lewis to the group.
The biggest loss remains Haloti Ngata, a probable future Hall of Fame defender who was traded to Detroit. Ngata brought plenty of versatility and leadership to this unit, two qualities that are hard to replace with young players. Brandon Williams has secured one starting position on the line, but second-year end Timmy Jernigan will hope to replace Ngata after he flashed with four sacks last year. Jernigan had six quarterback hits, which was one more than Williams, Ngata, and Chris Canty combined. Canty is going on 33 years old and did not register a single quarterback hurry last year according to Football Outsiders game charting. The ship has sailed long ago on Terrence Cody (released in January) replacing Ngata, so it's really up to what Jernigan and the other young players can do this year ? including third-round pick Carl Davis (Iowa), who slipped in the draft for his lack of pass-rushing production.
Notable Undrafted Free Agent Additions: Safety Nick Perry sat behind Mark Barron, Vinnie Sunseri and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at Alabama, which explains his lack of early playing time. Once given a shot in 2013, he partially torn his labrum and was placed on a medical redshirt. Last season he had a career year with 80 tackles and two interceptions, but still went undrafted. The Colts and Patriots worked him out prior to the draft. In a post-Ed Reed world, the Ravens have been looking for answers at safety, and Perry could be a player to watch this preseason.
With the Ravens letting Jacoby Jones go, speedy slot receiver DeAndre Carter (Sacramento State) has a shot to make an impact on special teams. Wide receiver Daniel Brown (James Madison) was also picked up after the draft and has great size at 6-foot-5. Ohio State tackle Darryl Baldwin was lauded for his pass protection, but will need to improve as a run blocker.
