Pundit Assesses Eric DeCosta's 2024 Season
It's been a busy year for General Manager Eric DeCosta. From navigating free agency, the NFL draft, and making in-season additions and trades, there's a lengthy list of moves executed by DeCosta this season.
The Baltimore Banner's Kyle Goon combed through them all and spotlighted the most notable.
Best offseason signing: RB Derrick Henry
"Let's start on the highest note. When the Ravens reached a deal with Henry (2 years, $16 million) in March, I was skeptical that signing a 30-year-old running back who probably had his best days behind him was a wise investment. The 'best days behind him' part was probably my biggest misjudgment of the year. Henry has been, of course, spectacular. He's second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,407), first in rushing TDs (13), first in rushes of 20 yards or more (14) and second in rush yards over expected (420). …Though the offense has struggled in recent games, you have to imagine Henry — who has been a fantastic December performer throughout his career — makes it possible for the Ravens to reach that level again."
Best roster decision: OLB Odafe Oweh
"It's hard to top the decision to pick up Oweh's fifth-year option. Oweh has eight sacks and the 13th-best pass rush win rate (18%) in football, not far behind Nick Bosa (21%) and T.J. Watt (19%). The catch is next year, when the club is on the hook for a $13.2 million cap hit for Odafe's fifth season. That would be worth it if Oweh maintains this production."
Best extension: RB Justice Hill
"There's a case that Kyle Van Noy's contract value of just over $5 million has been worth all eight of his sacks so far. But I will give the nod to the extension for Justice Hill. If all the Ravens did to replace Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins was to sign Henry, it would have been a resounding success. Combined, their old backs have fewer yards with the Chargers (1,004) than Henry has by himself (1,407). But you also have to consider that Hill has been an effective receiver (37 catches, 322 yards) and blocker this season. With a PFF ranking of 17th among halfbacks, Hill ranks higher than either of his old teammates. Not only did Baltimore bring in a great free agent, but it chose the right running back to keep."
Ravens Are Notably Healthy Exiting Late Bye Week
As the Ravens exit their long-awaited bye week, they return to action with rest and a lack of significant injuries. Baltimore Positive’s Luke Jones notes they've been a healthy team this season with few serious injuries.
"The good news is the Ravens have made it this far into the season with very few long-term injuries of consequence, which is quite a contrast from some years when multiple impact players are lost before the campaign even begins," Jones wrote.
Exiting the bye week, Jones writes the Ravens' most notable injury is wide receiver Rashod Bateman's absence, as he exited Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles with "knee soreness."
Compare that to 2021, when the Ravens were down nine starters in December and many others.
Jones also mentioned to watch out for the statuses of outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, defensive tackles Michael Pierce and Travis Jones, and safety Kyle Hamilton when practice returns.
"When the schedule is released in May, a late bye feels daunting, but it can also facilitate a fresher stretch run if you make it this far with the roster mostly intact," Jones wrote.
Retired Center Matt Skura Reflects on His Time as a Raven
Back in November, former Ravens offensive lineman Matt Skura announced he was retiring from the NFL. Skura joined Pressbox’s Glenn Clark to talk about the Ravens, where his professional career began.
On the organization and culture
"The first thing is from ownership to the front office to the coaching, staff, players, everyone involved in the organization, the message is all the same and the mission is the same — to win and to do it in a culture that breeds toughness, discipline and physicality. That permeates throughout the entire organization and also within the locker room. … You have guys who truly care for one another and you have a structure of leadership that everyone feels part of the team."
On playing with Marshal Yanda
"Marshal was a huge factor in my career. When I first got to the Ravens he wasn't in OTA's, but everyone was like, 'Hey, just wait until Marshal comes back and the intensity just ramps up,' and it did. In meetings, I just sat next to him and I wouldn't even really talk to him, I would just see how focused and how intentional he was with his notes and preparation."
On offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris
"Him and I were really close. … Really, he was just someone who outside of the field became so close with me. We talked about family, things that were going on just in our lives, and he really kind of became like a pseudo-grandfather to my kids and really the kids in the offensive line room and on the team. He was just someone that everyone got along with. You could have a conversation with him no matter where you were, in the lunchroom. He was just someone who anyone could lean on."
On the lasting impression of his time as a Raven
"I'm just honestly grateful and thankful to have started my career with the Ravens. I think even my first two years just the veterans that were on the team that provided such great leadership, guys who are up for the Hall of Fame now. It's truly a blessing to have started my career in Baltimore. It fit my personality exactly — what they appreciate about guys working hard and preparation and being accountable and really taking care of the young guys, I think it was just awesome."
Quick Hits
This Weekend's Most Read: 50 Words or Less: Bye Week Fact or Fiction
- Ravens are one of five teams to have their QB future assured, with The Athletic's Mike Sando writing, "The Ravens are winning the big bet they made on Jackson when they signed him to an extension before the 2023 season."
