With the core of the NFL's top-scoring offense still intact, the Ravens have invested in their defense this offseason. They signed linemen Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe in free agency. They added inside linebackers Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison through the draft. They retained outside linebacker Matthew Judon with the franchise tag.
But internal change was already underway long before the Ravens' first move. With some free agents set to move on and other standout players returning from injury, even starters were primed for a new role in defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale's system next season.
The position changes for three significant contributors are not dramatic, nor are they as important as the big-name players added to the Ravens' top-five defense. But the difference in responsibilities cannot be overlooked. On a defense that values versatility and flexibility, the Ravens still need players to fulfill the main role in their job description, whatever that happens to be.
