Baltimore Ravens are hard to stop next season – and even harder to break
Baltimore Ravens had the best record in the NFL last season, 14-2, fuelled by the emergence of Lamar Jackson as a quarterback and their always stalwart defense. After a disappointing first round postseason loss to Tennessee Titans, the general manager Eric DeCosta had a clear roadmap how to proceed towards the NFL Draft 2020.
While Lamar Jackson ran an astonishingly efficient offense last season, the shortcomings were not too hard to pinpoint. Jackson himself was 6th in total rushing yards in all of NFL, with RB Mark Ingram providing support at 14th. Passing game was not exactly the strength of the Ravens and that might’ve played a part in their shocking first-round exit. After the run was stopped, there was nowhere for Jackson to go. Tight End Mark Andrews carried the biggest load of yards received, but was only 38th in the NFL in that category. Wide Receiver Marquise Brown was the only other receiver in top-100. Of course, Ravens are not likely to turn into pass-first team anytime soon, but adding that particular passing offensive threat to their arsenal is likely to enhance their chances.
Ravens defense is still as strong as it was last season, when they allowed 3rd least points and were 4th in total yards allowed. But when opportunity knocked, DeCosta quickly reacted and took the best player available on their first pick, linebacker Patrick Queen out of LSU. Many analysts were surprised Queen was still available for Ravens because many of the people who make NFL expert picks had Queen going off the board early, but none were surprised DeCosta jumped for the chance – Queen already looks like a perfect fit as a Raven and a great pick at #28.
In the second round DeCosta targeted a backup for aging Mark Ingram and managed to snap up highly-rated RB J.K. Dobbins at #55, adding another ground threat and possibly allowing Jackson and Ingram to carry a little less of the load. Even if the straight-up needs of the team were not answered in the first three picks, the talent was simply too attractive to pass and rightly so. In their #71 pick, Ravens added a pass-rusher DT Justin Madubuike, who was projected to go earlier but fell to DeCosta’s lap. Ravens had a gap in the DT position, after trading Chris Wormley and losing Michael Pierce in free agency, but still fielding a scary combo of Calais Cambell, Derek Wolfe, Brandon Williams and Daylon Mack.
The offensive needs were addressed on the third round by explosive slot receiver Devin Duvernay at #92 and prospective steal of the draft, 6th round WR James Proche at #201. Both are likely to help Ravens win right away, but also cover a few NFL point spreads here and there. Both players have huge potential and sky-high ceiling going into the future. Look out for more options in Jackson’s playbook, which was already unstoppable at times last season.
Veteran 8-time Pro Bowler Marshal Yanda’s retirement somewhat forced DeCosta’s hand entering deeper in the draft, but the need for OG was tackled by picking Ben Bredeson at #143 preceded by another guard Tyre Philips on #106. Bredeson is likely to fill in for Yanda, while Philips is able to slot in for most position in the OL, allowing plenty of rotation options and some backup.
DeCosta managed to add depth in key positions, address the needs of the team and build for stronger future at the same go. LB Malik Harrison from Ohio State at #98, DT Broderick Washington #170 and safety Geno Stone from Iowa compliment the plethora of high-class picks ready to step in when needed.
Keep your eye on the Ravens NFL over under future bet for this up coming season. One of the best teams in the NFL just got even better.
