The Baltimore Ravens can begin to talk to pending free agents starting Monday at noon in the NFL’s legal tampering period. But what are the places they need to shore up ahead of the 2019 NFL draft? I take a look at the roster and the Ravens’ biggest needs before free agency kicks off.
These needs aren’t in any order of importance but they are all areas Baltimore has to fix this offseason.
Wide receiver:
With Michael Crabtree cut and John Brown a pending free agent himself, Baltimore only has Willie Snead left as a consistent weapon at wide receiver.
2018 NFL draft selections Jordan Lasley and Jaleel Scott never saw the field last season and Chris Moore hasn’t gotten a ton of attention, in spite of Brown calling him the best wide receiver on the team earlier in the week.
Right now, the Ravens simply need warm bodies in the wide receiver room. They’ll likely have at least two roster spots available and could add three or four to the depth chart ahead of training camp. I’d expect them to add at least one in free agency, even if it’s not a big splash.
Interior offensive line:
Whether it’s at center or guard, Baltimore needs a little more help along the interior of their offensive line. With the Ravens expected to use a run-heavy scheme in 2019, it’s even more important to try and upgrade those positions and add quality depth.
Center Matt Skura and left guard James Hurst could be replaced this offseason. In spite of the offensive line finishing the season pretty strong, both Skura and Hurst continued to struggle throughout the year. Behind them isn’t any better with rookie Bradley Bozeman getting playing time with Hurst and Alex Lewis hurt.
It would be nice to solidify one of these positions with a definite starter but simply adding quality, healthy depth would still be a win for Baltimore.
Pass rusher:
With Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs set to hit free agency, Baltimore is left with only Matthew Judon as their productive pass rusher.
Outside of Judon, Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser haven’t amounted to much early in their careers. Even then, Judon hasn’t been terribly consistent, often disappearing for a few games each season. While Baltimore could hope Williams and/or Bowser suddenly start producing or Judon to reach the next level, it wouldn’t be wise to go into the season with that expectation.
Free agency has a bevy of capable pass rushers if the Ravens don’t end up re-signing their own. The 2019 NFL draft also has a number of prospects who could fit in Baltimore’s scheme. Regardless, the Ravens will have at least one open roster spot available they’ll need to fill and could sign or draft three or four before the start of training camp.
Safety:
With the cutting of safety Eric Weddle, the Ravens made sure this was a big need this offseason. Though Baltimore could try to put in one of their young players next to Tony Jefferson, it seems more likely they’ll try to fill Weddle’s spot with someone not on the roster right now.
Free agency has a huge number of capable and young free safeties available for the Ravens to sign. There are also some short-term options if Baltimore feels they might have the long-term answer on their roster already.
Running back:
Gus Edwards did well last season for the Ravens but they should only look at the difficulties Alex Collins had in his second season as a reason they’ll need a better answer. Even if Baltimore believes Edwards is the answer, there’s a need for a backup on the roster.
Kenneth Dixon is the only other experienced running back on the depth chart and his injury history should make the Ravens wary. Baltimore could also look for a running back with more skill as a receiver out of the backfield to help quarterback Lamar Jackson early in his career.
If the Ravens don’t think Edwards is the long-term answer, finding someone who is will likely come from the 2019 NFL draft rather than free agency. But look to free agents to fill out the roster a little more for relatively cheap regardless of what Baltimore does in the draft.
