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Climbing The Depth Chart: Safeties
We're looking at competitive positions heading into Organized Team Activities, where players will battle for depth chart positioning. Eric Weddle and Lardarius Webb will lead the secondary, but who else will see time?
Eric Weddle 2015 Stats: 78 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 6 passes defensed, 0 interceptions Banged up by injuries last season, Weddle had a somewhat down year and was not re-signed by the Chargers. Now rejuvenated in Baltimore, Weddle is expected to be the leader on the back end of the defense and add his playmaking ability to a group yearning for more turnovers. Weddle's mission in OTAs will be to build chemistry in the secondary while getting himself in lockstep with the scheme.
Lardarius Webb 2015 Stats: 54 tackles, 11 passes defensed, 1 interception Webb is converting from cornerback to safety as he enters the next chapter in his career. The Ravens like Webb at safety because he has the best hands in the secondary and good instincts. Baltimore wants him making plays on the ball in space. Webb played safety in college and at the end of last season, so it's not entirely new, but will take an adjustment period during OTAs.
Kendrick Lewis 2015 Stats: 61 tackles, five passes defensed, 0 interceptions Lewis was a 15-game starter last year, but the arrival of Weddle and Webb to this position group put his role somewhat in question. Lewis is a leader in the locker room and a reliable player, but didn't make many plays on the ball last year. He'll be looking to improve on that this summer. The Ravens could use a rotation of safeties to maximize everyone's strength and keep them fresh.
Terrence Brooks 2015 Stats: 8 tackles, 1 pass defensed Brooks didn't see a lot of defensive action in 12 games. The speedy 2014 third-round pick is expected to be a playmaking force on the back end, but he's got to be in the right place at the right time more often to earn more snaps.
Matt Elam 2015 Stats: N/A After missing last season with a biceps tear, Elam is looking to make a comeback in 2016. The 2013 first-round pick had some struggles in his first two seasons, leading to a decreased role in his sophomore campaign. The injury was another tough pill to swallow, especially as it came when coaches said Elam was playing better than ever in practice. To regain his job, Elam needs a strong summer.
Anthony Levine Sr. 2015 Stats: 7 tackles With Brynden Trawick leaving for Oakland, Levine is the Ravens' top returning special teams tackler. Levine is a leader among the group, which was the best in the league last year. He can also step in and play safety or cornerback in a pinch.
