[Baltimore Ravens]
Division: AFC North
In the 2020 season, the Ravens took a huge step forward, winning their first play-off game with Lamar Jackson and projecting to be a major force coming into 2021. However, despite a strong start, the season was derailed and ultimately destroyed by debilitating injuries across the entire roster, culminating in a losing season, and a fourth-place finish in the AFC North. Coming into 2022, the team hopes to return to perennial play off contender, both due to offseason additions, as well as a multitude of starters returning from injury.
Notable Coaching Changes
Ravens coach John Harbaugh hired five new assistant coaches — Mike Devlin – assistant offensive line coach; George Godsey – tight ends coach; Rob Leonard – outside linebackers coach; Zach Orr – inside linebackers coach; and, Ryan Osborn – defensive quality control.
Mike Macdonald: After parting ways with Wink Martindale, the Ravens brought Mike Macdonald back after his stint with John’s brother at Michigan. An heir apparent to the role, Macdonald will focus on continuity in the Ravens Defense while trying to improve the largest areas of struggle In particular, the Ravens will need to find ways to get pressure without all out blitzing to take a step forward in their quest for post season success.
Free Agency:
Players Lost/Cut:
S DeShon Elliott — Signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions
C Bradley Bozeman — Signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers
CB Tavon Young — Signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears
WR Sammy Watkins — Signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers
LB Chris Board — Signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions
DT Justin Ellis — Signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants
CB Anthony Averett — Signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders
TE Eric Tomlinson — Signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos
CB Chris Westry [RFA] — Signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers
QB Josh Johnson — Signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos
DT Brandon Williams
CB Jimmy Smith
LB L.J. Fort
RB Latavius Murray
OLB Pernell McPhee
RB Devonta Freeman
DT Aaron Crawford
CB Khalil Dorsey
LB Otaro Alaka
OL Brandon Knight
While the Ravens didn’t lose any irreplaceable pieces in terms of star power this offseason, they did lose a good number of solid contributors whose contributions will have to be replaced through the draft or with younger players stepping up. The biggest player lost by far is Hollywood Brown, who was traded to the Cardinals. Brown has grown into a solid starter, and while hes not a top 10 WR, his production will be sorely missed in a now thin room. Deshon Elliott and Bradley Bozeman both had their replacements taken in the first round of the draft with players the team is hoping will be upgrades at those respective positions. The departure of Tavon Young, Anthony Averett, and Jimmy Smith means the secondary will not be quite as deep as the team is normally accustomed too, and the team will hope to get production from first- and second-year players. Sammy Watkins wouldn’t be seen as a major departure by most teams, but for a Ravens team that has one of the worst WR rooms on paper in the league, his presence will be missed. On the D Line, the Ravens lost Brandon Williams, a long time leader for the team. But once again the team anticipated the departure with 3rd round pick Travis Jones. Overall, while the Ravens lost some key pieces, with the exception of perhaps the WR corps, they seem to have been prepared to fill the gaps.
Players Acquired/Extended:
JUNE
- 06/17
Signed OLB Steven Means.
MAY
- 05/31
Signed CB Kyle Fuller. 05/24
Signed DL Brent Urban. .
- 05/10
Signed RB Mike Davis.
- 05/06
Signed undrafted rookie free agents WR Slade Bolden, WR Shemar Bridges, QB Anthony Brown, WR Trevon Clark, T Aron Johnson, ILB Zakoby McClain, OLB Jeremiah Moon, S Chris Moore, DT Rayshad Nichols, RB Ricky Person, WR Makai Polk, ILB Josh Ross, CB David Vereen, WR Raleigh Webb, OLB Charles Wiley, CB Denzel Williams and WR Devon Williams.
APRIL
- 04/18
Re-signed the following exclusive rights free agents: C/G Trystan Colon, QB Tyler Huntley, LS Nick Moore and LB Kristian Welch. Released WR Miles Boykin.
- 04/14
Re-signed DT Calais Campbell.
- 04/13
Re-signed ILB Josh Bynes.
- 04/07
Re-signed exclusive rights free agent S Geno Stone.
MARCH
- 03/24
Re-signed FB/DL Patrick Ricard to a three-year contract extension.
- 03/23
Signed free agent DT Michael Pierce.
- 03/17
Signed T unrestricted free agent Morgan Moses. Signed unrestricted free agent S Marcus Williams.
FEBRUARY
- 02/25
Re-signed S Tony Jefferson.
One of the reasons the Ravens have maintained a relatively consistent level of success since coming to Baltimore is the organization’s fidelity to approaching team building in a very systematic way. This offseason was no different. The Ravens focused first and foremost on resigning and extending key players across their roster to cap friendly deals, while acquiring a few new players at key positions. Pat Ricard, Calais Campbell, and Josh Bynes represent significant snaps at important position groups on both sides of the ball and were important re-signings to maintain some consistency in the roster.
In terms of FA acquisitions, Marcus Williams, Morgan Moses, Kyle Fuller, and Michael Pierce bring consistent talent or depth at positions of need. Williams and Moses in particular will be day 1 starters at positions that were marked weaknesses for the team last year. Fuller was an underrated signing that should help bring major stability to the offseason.
The Ravens focuses primarily on retaining talent with key moves at positions of need, a trend which they continued this offseason.
NFL Draft:
Draft Grades:
Round 1:
Kyle Hamilton – S – Notre Dame : A
Its not terribly exciting to grade the Ravens first pick in the draft, because they do the same thing every year. Develop a strong board, remain patient while other teams move up, then take a great player who has somehow fallen to them. This year was not different with Kyle Hamilton. The consensus best safety in the nation, Hamilton was a projected top 5 pick before a middling forty time caused his stock to fall. The Ravens went with what they saw on film and took a premium player at a position of need. After a year in which the Secondary allowed a large number of explosive plays on the back end, Hamilton should partner well with new acquisition Marcus Williams to provide a huge boost in productivity on the back end.
Tyler Linderbaum – Center- Iowa: B
Following a shocking trade of Hollywood Brown mid draft, the Ravens found themselves in possession of another 1st round pick. It seems based on info given by GM Eric Decosta that the Ravens had originally planned to take a WR at pick 14. However that plan fell apart when a massive run on WR occurred just before the Ravens selection. After trading down, the Ravens used pick 25 to select Iowa Center Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum is as strong of a center prospect to have emerged in years. For a team that has been plagued by issues at the position, the idea of locking it down for a decade was too good to pass up. Linderbaum is a former wrestler who shows a great understanding of leverage and hand placement. His ability in space is second to none and should prove a huge benefit in the Ravens dynamic, pull heavy, run game. Linderbaum is a bit undersized and a better fit for a zone run scheme, but the Ravens saw a chance to lock down a good center for Lamar and took the best player available.
Round 2:
David Ojabo – Edge- Michigan: B+
Any Ravens fan who follows the draft new this pick was coming when he was on the board in the second round, it just made too much sense. Ojabo was a projected top 15 pick before tearing his achilles during his pro day. Already a strong value at pick no 40, Ojabo also has numerous connections to the Ravens. He played for Jim Harbaugh as well as new Defensive Coordinator Mike MacDonald at Michigan and played Highschool ball with Odafe Oweh. It feels like a perfect fit for the Ravens. Ojabo is a dynamic pas rusher who has a high motor pursing the QB on passing downs. He needs to work on his abilities in the run game, but the skill set is there. The only real knock on this pick is that Ojabo will likely have a redshirt season, while the Ravens need help at the position right away.
Round 3:
Travis Jones – DT- UConn: A+
Following the departure of Nose Tackle Brandon Williams and Bear Carrier Derek Wolfe, the Ravens were in desperate need of an infusion of youth along the defensive line. The war room must have run the pick up when they saw Travis Jones available in the third round. Jones was a wrecking ball at UConn, and managed to put up strong performances on an otherwise terrible defense that ensured he would be the focus of offensive game planning, He compares somewhat favorably to first round pick Jordan Davis. He is strong, though not all world at run stuffing compared to Davis but shows more ability in the passing game right off the bat. Jones was projected to go as early as the late 1st round and it was an insane value for the Ravens to acquire Jones where they did.
Round 4:
Daniel Faalele – T- Minnesota: A
Its crazy that you have to go to the 110th pick in the draft to find a player not considered a top 50 talent. With a forgettable year of tackle play in 2021 and a massive question mark behind Ronnie Stanley, the Ravens needed to get younger at tackle. Enter Daniel Faalele, a staggering human at 6-8, 380 pounds. Faalele is an absolute mauler that uses his size to move people off the line. He is fairly weak technically, but if that side of his game can be coached up, Faalele can be a perennial starter on the right side of the line. He has every physical trait that you might look for and is an excellent project pick at the point in which he was taken in the draft.
Jalen Armour-Davis- Corner – Alabama: B+
Its hard to imagine a Ravens draft in which they don’t take at least one corner, and one Alabama player, here they check both boxes. Armour Davis was an under the radar corner prospect who showed flashes at Alabama but hadn’t quite yet ascended at Alabama. He enters a perfect situation coming into Baltimore’s suddenly shallow CB room, where he will have the chance to take meaningful snaps immediately.
Charlie Kolar – TE – Iowa State: B+
While the Ravens have one of the best TES in the league in Mark Andrews, the team was at its best when it has a second reliable TE target behind blocking expert Nick Boyle. After the departure of Hayden Hurst, that role has yet to be really filled. Charlie Kolar is a huge target with soft hands that has drawn comparisons to Andrews in his days at Iowa State. Luckily he doesn’t need to live up to that billing right away, as he will see ample opportunity on a team that uses multiple TE sets at as high of a rate as any team in the league.
Jordan Stout – P – Penn State: C+
With a massive 6 picks in the fourth round, the Ravens were afforded the luxury of using a pick on a player like Jordan Stout. With Sam Koch ready to retire, the Ravens needed to replace a position that has been productive for them for more than a decade. While this pick may have felt early to some analysts, the fact that a second punter went one pick later suggests that they made the right decision. Stout is a highly technical punter with good touch, who will have the benefit of learning from Sam Koch right off the bat. He can also kick, which can be used in camp and even potential on kick offs to help prolong the career of Justin Tucker.
Isaiah Likely- TE – Coastal Carolina: A
After apparently getting scooped for WR Calvin Austin by the Steelers, the Ravens decided to double dip with a second TE selection. This is a strategy that worked to perfection in 2018, when they took Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews. The belief is at least one TE will pan out to be a major contributor. While it hurt not to get a WR, Likely is a bit of a tweener who will provide some much-needed athleticism as a patch catcher. He is already making waves at camp.
Demarion Williams- CB– Houston: B
A slot corner who was taken much higher than the media consensus, it was likely necessary for the Ravens to double dip at CB. Williams was a player who one of the Ravens scouts was pounding the table for, and the Ravens listen to their scouts, with notable examples like Lamar Jackson. He will be an immediate ST contributor.
Round 6:
Tyler Badie- RB– Missouri: A
With both of their top running backs coming off major injury, the Ravens needed youth at the position to avoid a repeat of last year. Badie is a shifty, quick back who can contribute in the passing game. If he can come in on special teams right away, it probably marks the end of Justice Hill’s time on the roster.
Overall Grade: A
With such a massive selection of picks, it felt at times like the Ravens could through darts at a board and still hit on some players. However, they stuck to their board and consistently made value picks and got premium talent at a multitude of positions. While the lack of a WR selection may have stuck out for some, it’s hard to fault the Ravens for not reaching, particularly considering the caliber of players that fell to them at other positions
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Projected Starting Lineup:
· QB: Lamar Jackson:
This season will have additional meaning for QB Lamar Jackson, as he still has the looming contract extension. He has the opportunity to come back strong and continue to build his already potent leverage or future negotiations. He is electric running and has proven he can be efficient in the passing game. This dual threat makes him one of the most difficult QBs in the league to prepare for. He looked to be in MVP form early last year with some stunning early performances before injuries set in. Jackson has his sights set on a single goal, a super bowl. After a forgettable 2021 season, a much-improved offensive line should boost Jackson coming into this year.
· RB: JK Dobbins
Dobbins showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. He was shifty with great burst, reminiscent of a prime Ray Rice. He picked up major steam down the stretch and looked very likely to be a 1k runner. This season will be about his ability to return from injury and continue that progess. The triple punch of JK, Gus Edwards, and Lamar should give teams absolute fits in the run game.
· FB: Patrick Ricard:
A super underrated member of the Ravens offense, Ricard is an 800-pound gorilla whose lead blocking ability sets the tone of the Ravens hardnosed rushing offense. For anyone that doesn’t watch the Ravens regularly, it would be easy to miss, but he and Nick Boyle pave the way in the run game.
· TE: Mark Andrews, Nick Boyle:
A dynamic duo, Andrews and Boyle are the definition of a one two punch of catching and blocking. Andrews is easily Lamar’s most reliable target, and cemented himself as one of the best Tight Ends in the league last year. Boyle is one of the best blockings TEs, and a cursory examination of game film will show he orchestrates the Ravens run game alongside Pat Ricard.
· WR: Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche:
After finally appearing to have assembled a solid WR room, the Ravens hit the reset button by trading away malcontented Hollywood Brown. The room is now full of youth with young guys getting a chance to prove themselves. The pressure on Rashod Bateman in particular will be immense. While many see the potential here, there’s no question this projects as one of the Ravens weaker units.
· LT: Ronnie Stanley:
Among the best LTs in the NFL when healthy, Stanley will have to find his way back coming off an ACL tear after a setback early in the season last year. When healthy, he imposes his will on defenders and keeps Lamar safe off the left side. Since his injury, his absence has been noticeable, and one wonders if he will ever be able to return to form. Without a doubt this is the Ravens biggest ? going in the season.
· LG: Ben Cleveland:
Their will be an open competition at LG, nut the massive Cleveland showed flashes last year and It appears to be his job to lose.
· C: Tyler Linderbaum: With the departure of Bradley Bozeman, Linderbaum projects to be a day 1 starter at Center. While the Ravens are excited to finally solve a position that has plagued them for years, Linderbaum will have to prove he is ready for the next level, and over come deficiencies like his rather inferior length. That said there is no reason to believe with his athleticism and wrestling abilities he can’t be a day 1 quality starter.
· RG: Kevin Zeitler: Perhaps the loan bright spot on the offensive line last year alongside Bozeman, Zeitler was a stalwart who turned in solid performances every week. The Ravens look for that performance to improve as Zeitler should have stronger help on either side of him.
· RT: Morgan Moses.:
After the complete failure of the Villanueva experiment (Steelers fans were laughing at the signing from day 1), the Ravens bring in veteran Morgan Moses to Anchor the right side of the line. This should be a tremendous improvement from what was a turnstile at the tackle position last year. In addition to solid play, Moses also brings strong leadership to the unit..
· DL: Calais Campbell, Michael Pierce, Justin Madibuike:
The Ravens were thrilled to bring back veteran Calais Campbell to provide continuity on the Defensive Line. Campbell should continue to bring playmaking ability while the Ravens will look to Justin Madibuike to finally break out year after showing immense flashes. Finally, Michael Pierce returns to fill the run stuffing DT position, where the biggest challenge in camp for him will be keeping his weight down.
· LB: Patrick Queen, Josh Bynes:
Patrick Queen struggled his first year at the Mike position. Last year, after some early woes, he was moved to Will where he could focus on flying around the field and making plays. This led to a huge boost in Queens productivity, which the Ravens hope will continue into this season.
-CB: Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Kyle Fuller:
Humphrey and Peters when healthy project amongst the best CB duos in the league. Their shutdown and turnover forcing abilities are what makes the Ravens defense effective and allows the front time to get to the QB. The biggest question here is Fuller, who comes off a weak year but shouldn’t be asked to do as much in the Ravens system.
· S: Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton
The Ravens perhaps more than any other team value the safety position, which is why it was a struggle to watch so many big plays happen under the nose of the safety unit last year. In a division with Joe Burrow, it is essential to keep the top on a defense, and the Ravens made huge moves with this unit. The rangy Williams and cerebral Hamilton should provide immediate and noticeable upgrades from the level of safety play seen last year.
· K: Justin Tucker:
Gonna just copy paste from last year. Not much to say about this one, Justin Tucker is just better than every other kicker in the league. He had some isolated struggles but was still a beast when it mattered. He is extremely clutch and an absolute weapon on game winning drives, oh and he sings opera too.
· P: Jordan Stout:
First year punter Stout has all the talent in the world but will have a lot to prove coming in to replace an all time great in Sam Koch. Luckily he doesn’t have to figure it out alone, as he will have Koch by his side from the beginning.
· KR: Devon Duvernay:
Duvernay ascended to become one of the best KRs in the league last year. The main question is if the Ravens will allow him to resume this role with the lack of depth at WR.
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Schedule Prediction
Week 1: @ Jets
Prediction: Win
Jets had an amazing draft, but its hard to imagine Zach Wilson’s crew taking down a team that typically shows up to the first game extremely prepared.
Week 2: Dolphins
Prediction: Win
Despite some recent additions to the Dolphins offense, the Ravens historical do well against that franchise and will be particularly keen on revenge following last year.
Week 3: @ Patriots
Prediction: Win
Hard to ever predict a win against a BB squad, but the restored run game should make it hard for the defense to keep them off the field.
Week 4: Bills
Prediction: Loss
The Josh Allen Bills are a tough out, and it feels likely the Ravens may come up short against them.
Week 5: Bengals
Prediction: Win
The Bengals kicked the Ravens asses last year, but the combination of a healthy team and homefield advantage should bring Burrow back to Earth.
Week 6: @ Giants
Prediction: Win
Despite facing their old DC in Wink Martindale, the Giants roster seems to thin at present to eke a win.
Week 7: Browns
Prediction: Win
Hard to project these games without knowing Watson’s status, but it seems likely he will face significant suspension.
Week 8: @ Buccaneers
Prediction: Loss
Tom Brady on a short week is a tough challenge to overcome.
Week 9: Bye
Week10: @ Saints
Prediction: Loss
The Saints have bled some talent but are still a good team and will have some sneaky wins this year
Week 11: @ Panthers
Prediction: Win
Baker will be a huge upgrade at QB, but Matt Rhules squad doesn’t project to be too scary until proven otherwise.
Week 12: @ Jaguars
Prediction: Win
The Jaguars need a year to recover from Urban Meyer hangover, they will be better but should be a victory.
Week 13: Broncos
Prediction: Loss
The Broncos have a strong roster and now Russell Wilson, this is a pretty believable home upset.
Week 14: @ Steelers
Prediction: Loss
It doesn’t seem to matter much of the time how good either team is, and they seem to split. While the Steelers have some question marks, it doesn’t seem unlikely that they beat the Ravens at home.
Week 15: @ Browns
Prediction: Win
This could be a loss if Watson plays but again its hard to say.
Week 16: Falcons
Prediction: Win
The Falcons are definitely in rebuilding mode.
Week 17: Steelers
Prediction: Win
The Ravens should be able to take a win off a Steelers squad with a rookie QB.
Week 18: Bengals
Prediction: Loss
A potential prime time game against Burrow and Bengals offense is a recipe for some struggle, a split with the Bengals feels like a solid outcome.
Final Record: 11-6
The Ravens are always competitive with Lamar behind center. That shouldn’t change this year, especially with all the players returning from injury. The question remains, can they take the strides necessary to do damage in the post season. The AFC is brutal this year, so they must bring their A game to compete.
Offensive and Defensive Schemes
Offense: The Ravens will return their unique offense that focuses on rushing the ball and using heavy sets with tight ends. The entire offense hinges on the threat of Lamar Jackson running the football. Teams are forced to stay honest up front, or they risk getting gouged by a QB scramble. This allows the Ravens offense to utilize a lot of reads in which Lamar can hand the ball off or keep it himself based on how certain players react. The Ravens will need to incorporate new pass concepts to avoid stagnation.
Defense: The Ravens will have a brand-new system under Mike MacDonald. While there should be some overlap, expect an a defense with a greater emphasis on generating pressure without incorporating the Blitz.
Conclusion: The Ravens project as one of the stronger squads in the NFL purely on the basis of returning players from injury, but they have a lot to prove to take the next step.
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