Pundits Identify Ravens' Most Pressing Needs for Rest of Free Agency and How They Will Address Them
The Ravens have been productive in free agency thus far by re-signing several key players and making a few strategic additions, but there is still work to be done.
“The Athletic Football Show’s” Derrick Klassen and Robert Mays discussed what the Ravens' most pressing need is for the rest of free agency. Klassen said it's pass rusher, while Mays contended it's cornerback or safety.
The Ravens were second in the league in sacks this past season but ranked 29th in pass rush win percentage, according to ESPN Analytics.
"For as miraculous as Kyle Van Noy getting over 20 sacks over the past two years is, I don't know if relying on that every year is a great way to go about things," Klassen said.
Mays agreed that the Ravens should make an effort to bolster the pass rush, but adding a defensive back is a higher priority. Starting cornerback Brandon Stephens departed in free agency and veteran Arthur Maulet was released.
"In my mind, corner is a very big need for them," Mays said. "You could also make an argument that it's safety if they want to play Kyle Hamilton at nickel. Either way, they need another defensive back because as it currently stands if Hamilton is playing safety, then T.J. Tampa, who they drafted in the fourth round last year, would be their other outside corner.
"Maybe they're OK with that and maybe he's the next guy up and they feel fine about where he's headed. I do think that at corner or safety, as I currently look at it based on what we've seen from the players on the roster, is where they need to do something to maintain the flexibility they've had over the last couple of seasons."
Klassen and Mays were in agreement that the Ravens are likely to sign veterans later this offseason to address their needs, something they have done with much success over the years.
"How excited are you for when we get to May 15 and the first thing they do is sign [cornerback] Rasul Douglas to a one-year, $7 million deal?" Mays said. "Then, the next day Za'Darius Smith or Matthew Judon come back for one year, $6 million, because you know that's where this is trending. You know that's how they're going to solve both of these things."
Analyst Says Ravens Are Starting Where They Left Off Last Season, Which 'Is Huge'
Even before the Ravens made any moves this offseason, Fox Sports analyst Mike Tannenbaum said they were already in a better place than they were heading into last season.
The Ravens lost several key players – including three starters on the offensive line — and coaches last year. They still went on to field the NFL's top-ranked offense and a top 10 defense, and they entered the playoffs as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
"They're not reshuffling the deck in any one area. So they are uniquely starting kind of where they left off, which is huge," Tannenbaum said on FS1’s “First Things First.” "And the thing that the Ravens have always done really well is draft. So they still have the draft to look forward to and a chance to improve some of those areas that may have been a little bit more of a weakness last year."
Tannenbaum's colleague, Chris Broussard, said the Ravens have everything they need to win the Super Bowl.
"They just have to mature to the point where they can play their best football when it's needed in the playoffs," Broussard said. "I think on paper they're as good as anyone and can win the Super Bowl with what they have if they play their best when it's time to play your best."
Two Ravens Selected in Mock Draft of Current Players
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox conducted a mock draft with a twist. Instead of drafting prospects, he made his selections from a pool of current players.
For the exercise, only non-quarterbacks were eligible. Knox used the current draft order and based his picks on team needs, scheme fits, player ages and player upside.
With the 27th-overall selection, the Ravens took one of their own: defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.
"Madubuike is an integral part of what former Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald and current Defensive Coordinator Zachary Orr have done with the Ravens defense up front," Knox wrote. "Over the past two seasons, Madubuike has recorded 99 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 50 quarterback hits. … Madubuike won't turn 28 until November, and securing him here makes perfect sense for the Ravens."
The other Raven chosen in the hypothetical draft was Hamilton, who went to the Buffalo Bills at No. 30.
"The 24-year-old has only been in the NFL for three seasons and has already established himself as one of the league's best all-around defensive backs," Knox wrote. "Fast, physical and capable of doing everything well, he is everything a team looks for in a centerpiece safety. The two-time Pro Bowler has amassed 250 tackles, seven sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 27 passes defended, four forced fumbles and five interceptions in 48 career games.
"In short, Hamilton could be the game-changer Buffalo currently lacks on the back end."
