The first wave of free agency has passed and the NFL Draft is only about a month away.
While the Ravens' offense has gotten much of the attention thus far this offseason, I'm going to focus the majority of this column on the defense.
Here are my thoughts, all in 50 words or less:
- Seven of the Ravens' eight free agency moves thus far have been on offense. The only defensive addition is linebacker/special teamer Jake Hummel. My gut says Baltimore will sign a pre-draft veteran cornerback, but most of the defensive boost will come via the draft, which is loaded with defensive talent.
- The Ravens have 11 draft picks. If Eric DeCosta uses all of them, I'll guess seven will be defensive additions: two defensive linemen, two cornerbacks or outside linebackers, safety, and inside linebacker. That leaves four offensive selections: two offensive linemen, wide receiver, tight end or running back.
745: Zach Orr Talks About His Year 1 Takeaways, Defensive Changes, What He Hopes to Add & More
Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr talks to Ravens insiders Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing about how his first season in the job went, what he'll roll into this year, his coaching staff hires, the vision for Kyle Hamilton & Marlon Humphrey, improvements for the pass rush and defensive line, and more.
- The Ravens' needs at cornerback and safety are quite similar. They have their starters but need valuable No. 3s to free up stars to do what they do best. Kyle Hamilton needs the freedom to move around everywhere. Marlon Humphrey should play inside and outside.
- Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr said he expects Nate Wiggins to be "one of the best corners" in the NFL in Year 2. Wiggins always had that level of talent, but Baltimore envisions it happening sooner than later because of the way he diligently worked on his craft as a rookie.
- Talking about the Ravens' pass rush, Orr said it's a holistic approach. It's not just about investing in twitched-up outside linebackers. Sacks come from all angles, and Baltimore sees multiple avenues to juicing up the pass rush, including improvements on the defensive line that could also help Nnamdi Madubuike.
- Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock pick, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon had 11 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. The Eagles' disruptive defensive tackles were a major part of their Super Bowl formula. It may not be "sexy," but the Ravens could build a defensive line in that likeness.
- Could free agent Calais Campbell return? He'll turn 39 in September, but he's still playing at a high level (PFF's sixth-highest graded interior defensive lineman). The Ravens signed Derrick Henry last offseason after trying to trade for him at the deadline. Baltimore reportedly tried to trade for Campbell last season.
- There are still intriguing names left in the second wave of free agency at cornerback and safety. If the Ravens don't address their needs at those spots with high draft picks, it seems they'll have solid free agency options after the draft has passed and the third wave rolls in.
744: Cooper Rush Talks About Joining the Ravens in Free Agency & More
New Raven Cooper Rush joins team insiders Clifton Brown and Cassie Cherigo to talk about getting to Baltimore, joining the quarterback room with Lamar Jackson, staying ready as a backup, and more.
- Cooper Rush seems like a business-like guy who will be a high-quality addition. Rush is 9-5 as a starter. The Ravens invested more at backup quarterback because he's "right player, right price" and because they have a roster strong enough to compete for a title even if there's an injury.
- The Ravens signed DeAndre Hopkins and brought back Tylan Wallace, but I don't think they're done looking for another wide receiver who would be the primary punt returner. Head Coach John Harbaugh called that a "huge role on the team" that needs to get settled at the season-ending press conference.
