Baltimore Ravens: A New Era

[DynastyBeast]

Ravens Position by Position Outlook Part II: Offensive Line

Tackles
Under Contract: Bryce Schell, Jason Conant, Santiago Durham
Expiring Contracts: None
The Ravens currently have 3 tackles on the roster. Jason Conant is the starting right tackle and he has been underlooked but he is a solid player. Bryce Schell is almost at pro bowl level and if he keeps performing he should see more attention. Santiago Durham who was last years 1st round draft pick has made strides and could be the starting left tackle at the beginning of next season allowing Bryce Schell to move back inside to where he naturally plays.

Guards
Under Contract:
Expiring Contracts: Marshall Yanda, Ben Grubbs, T.J. Lang, Jack Jones
All of the Ravens guards have their contracts expired. Jack Jones was signed in Week 4 of preseason after he was cut and he could be a hidden gem. The Ravens should lock him up. T.J. Lang was brought in as a backup and roster player. Marshall Yanda and Ben Grubbs are long-time Ravens however they are aging and their future is uncertain. Both of them may want decent money while there are good which will force the Ravens to pick one or the other. Yanda has the advantage because he has more versatility and Ozzie loves versatility.
Centers
Under Contract: Jason Oltmans
Expiring Contracts:None
Jason Oltmans was the lone center but that's alright. Oltmans is reliable. The former 5th round draft pick started has started every game since he was drafted. The Ravens do not need to invest in a center for the next 10 years. A back-up center might be drafted in the late rounds who could also play guard.

[DynastyBeast]

Ravens Position By Position Outlook Part III: Front 7

Defensive Ends
Under Contract: Charles Johnson, Trovon Miles, Edwin Ford
Expiring Contracts: B.J. Singer
The Ravens run a 3-4 so they don't need many DEs. But the DEs they have are really good. Charles Johnson the veteran who came in last year did not provide the spark that was expected. He was solid but not game-changing. Trovon Miles had another good year, he was a good role player in the defensive line. Edwin Ford has not met expectations as he got hurt a lot and when he is healthy he can not get to the ball. B.J. Singer is a young player who was signed before preseason and did not play much but he should be resigned. Defensive End is not a big need but don't be surprised if Charles Johnson is not with the Ravens next season.

Defensive Tackles
Under Contract: Jerel Law, Haloti Ngata, Curry Hopkins, Tyre Deshields
Expiring Contracts: None
The Ravens have too many defensive tackles. Haloti Ngata is a mammoth in the middle and he has been a beast. However, he is aging so he could be replaced in the next few years. Curry Hopkins is the 2nd DT and he is not a bad player. Jerel Law has been a disappointment after being selected in the first round in 2013. He has slipped into third in the depth chart and has fell out of favor with the coaching staff. With a $5 million dollar cap hit, he is a very likely cap casualty. Tyre Desheilds who was a 4th round draft pick last year has progressed well his first season and could compete for a back-up DT spot. He has shown flashes of greatness but needs to put it all together.

Outside Linebackers
Under Contract: Isikeli Franklin, Mario Williams
Expiring Contracts: Terrell Suggs, Tavares Broomfield
The outside backer situation is really good. They have three dangerous pass rushers ready to go. Isikeli Franklin the youngter stepped up his play tremendously and is budding into a star. Mario Williams, the former #1 overall pick had nearly 100 tackles and was all over the backfield. And don't forget about Terrell Suggs who has been relegated to situation pass rusher. Unfortunately, Suggs contract expired and he may not want to be a back-up. Suggs who has played for the Ravens his entire career may not return next season. Finally, Tavares Broomfield, the former 3rd round pick returned to Baltimore last preseason for depth purposes. Broomfield has proven to be a solid run stopper.

Middle Linebackers
Under Contract: Shamir Banks, David Hawthorne
Expiring Contracts: Angelo Sylve, Navarro Bowman
The Ravens have an interesting situation at Middle Linebacker. They have FOUR MLBs that could start on an team. That's right FOUR! Let's start with Shamir Banks. Banks was drafted in the 3rd round and was viewed as a risky pick at the time. Banks has almost unlimited potential but it was doubtful he could reach that. Well, one year later, Banks looks like the steal of the 2017 draft. Banks had an incredible season, playing any position the Ravens coaching staff asked him too and was dominant at middle and strongside linebacker. Banks has grown tremendously and will become a really good player. Then there is David Hawthorne. The Ravens signed Hawthorne last season to be the 2nd middle linebacker but he is currently the 4th. He is still a solid player but he doesn't fit on this team. The Ravens will likely cut him and he will start elsewhere next season. Angelo Sylve has come into his own. He is a great run stopper and a big hitter. He is due for a big payday, but it'll be interesting whether the Ravens pay him. Sylve had over 100 tackles last season. Finally, the Ravens traded for Navarro Bowman mid season to provide a spark on defense and he has played nicely. He is 30 years old and is set to make big money. With his play, he may have played himself out of the Ravens price range. The Ravens have a hard decision on who to resign. Sylve or Bowman?

[DynastyBeast]

Ravens Position By Position Outlook Part IV: Secondary and Special Teams

Cornerback
Under Contract: Dre Kirkpatrick, Brandan Perry, Ashpa Cooper, Latwan Kirk
Expiring Contracts: Antoine Cason, DeAngelo Hall
The Ravens are strong at cornerback. Dre Kirkpatrick is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL however he had a shaky game in the Super Bowl. Brandan Perry has excelled as the #2 corner. He has become a big part of this defense. Rookies Ashpa Cooper and Latwan "Captain" Kirk both played well. Cooper had an interception and Kirk was a special teams ace forcing two fumbles. The Ravens have veterans Antoine Cason and DeAngelo Hall but they may be deemed expendable.

Free Safety
Under Contract: Hassan Glover
Expiring Contracts: Tanard Jackson
Hassan Glover has came into his own. The Ravens traded up for him and he has not disappointed. The Ravens pass defense was shut down the entire season and Glover was a big reason why. Although his interception numbers were unimpressive, he did an impressive job in coverage especially with Arron Bell being injured for a good portion of the season. Tanard Jackson was brought back after a previous stint but he is used for depth purposes.

Strong Safety
Under Contact: Arron Bell
Expiring Contact: None
"Superstar." That's how MVP Quarterback Ryan Lindley described Arron Bell. Bell played through an arm injury in the latter part of the playoffs but you couldn't tell. Bell is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. He has had injury problems so a backup safety is necessary. Roman Harper, the hard hitting safety retired after a great season. Harper was forced to start over half of the season after Bell got hurt and he played well enough. He was great in run support but his coverage was shaky at times. Luckily, he has some of the best corners and safeties to back him up. An insurance safety that can fill in is a big need with Bell's shaky injury history.

Kicker
Under Contract: None
Expiring Contracts: Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby had a pro bowl appearance two years ago but had a shaky season. Crosby was not called to kick field goals that often but when he was he was not the most reliable kicker. He went 17-23(73%) but showcased a strong leg. Still, the Ravens could look for a better kicker in free agency.

Punter
Under Contract: Sam Koch
Expiring Contacts: None
Sam Koch is a longtime player for the Ravens. He is not going anywhere after another great season. Punter will not be a need this year.

[DynastyBeast]

Ravens Needs

1. Wide Receiver
Joe Flacco has not had a great #2 receiver for his entire career. It would be nice to spoil Joe with a great receiving core as he ages. Jordy Nelson and Ryan Broyles did not cut it. A receiver could be signed in free agency or drafted on the first two days of the draft.

2. Running Back
This will be interesting. An aging Ray Rice, a washed-up Marshawn Lynch and an inconsistent Jordin Bledsoe. The Ravens could draft a Running Back early in April.

3. Safety
This is a luxury but a nice backup would be nice if Arron Bell continues to get injured.

4. Defensive End
Charles Johnson was not impressive and is aging. He might not stick around with a $8.4 cap hit. They could find a young DE to play with Trovon Miles.

5. Tight End
What do Owen Daniels and Dennis Pitta have in common? They are both aging injury-prone tight ends who are great receivers. A tight end could be targeted in the draft. Don't even make me think about Blake Leachmen, the third round pick last year that was cut.

[DynastyBeast]

Re-Signings

Resigned

Angelo Sylve(4 year/$36 Million): Ravens lock up young star. No question they needed to sign him.

Terrell Suggs(1 Year/$3 Million): Sizzle is back again.

Asa Reese(1 Year/720K): Depth

BJ Singer(2 Years/$1.8): Solid Young DE

DeAngelo Hall(1/$2.0): Hall will compete for nickleback. No bonus

Marshall Yanda(1/$2.0): No-brainer

Gonzo

Jerel Law: Big DT cut because of big cap hit.

Ray Rice: Tough decision but Rice has lots of mileage and not worth as much money as he is commanding.

Ben Grubbs: Expendable with Bryce Schell moving back to guard

Aundrey Cousins: Former 80 tackle player was buried in depth chart

Mason Crosby: Shaky season. Time to move on.

Cort Dennison: Buried in depth chart

Antoine Cason: Playoff insurance. Nothing more.

T.J. Lang: Expendable with young Jack Jones above depth chart.

Cameron Wesley: Mutual decision. Wesley wants to test market to see if he can be #2 tight end. Could come back later.

Tavares Broomfield: Buried in depth chart.

[DynastyBeast]

Free Agency Preview:Offense

Quarterbacks

1. Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben testing the market. He is 36 but still a good player
2. Eli Manning: Manning played his last two years in Houston and played well there.

Best of the Rest
Blaine Gabbert
Michael Vick
Tony Romo
Phillip Rivers
Matt Schaub
Kellen Moore

Running Backs

1. DeMarco Murray: Murray has been a centerpiece to the Cowboys. Possesses elite power and elusiveness.
2. Ray Rice: Do-it-all-back who is 31. Lots of milage but had 1400 yard season last year.

Best of the Rest
Kendall Hunter
Ryan Williams
Martaze Randolph
Rashard Mendenhall
Darren McFadden
Ahmad Bradshaw
LaMichael James

Fullbacks

Best Fullbacks
Bruce Miller
Ovie Mughelli
P.J. Carr
LeRon McClain

Wide Receivers

1. Santonio Holmes: This guy seems a lot older than 34. Still has great hands
2. Dwayne Bowe: Has regressed but played well for the Colts
3. Marques Colston: Played for New England and played well with Brady. Brady retired and Colston decided to test the market.
4. Miles Austin: Longtime Cowboys receiver is aging.

Best of the Rest
Rashard Smith
Clayton Favors
DeSean Jackson

Tight Ends

1. Vernon Davis: It seems like all of the Colts receivers and tight ends are testing the market. Still is a great target

Best of the Rest
Luke Stocker
Jermichael Finley
Mercedes Lewis
Heath Miller
Zach Miller

Tackles

1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson: Ferguson is highly touted and a well respected player. He is 34 but still a great run blocker
2. Jamen Augustus: Augustus is a mammoth. 6'8 and 26 years old with lots of potential. He should be seeing some green soon.
3. Duane Brown: Brown is in his prime and has been reliable.
4. Bryan Bulaga: The Packers chose to let Bulaga walk. He will get a decent contract.

Best of the Rest
Marcus McNeill
Sam Baker

Guards

1. Jahri Evans: Evans is a Pro-Bowl guard.
2. Ben Grubbs: The long-time Raven was deemed expendable.
3. Eben Britton: Britton is 30 years old and ready to cash in.

Best of the Rest
Bruce Campbell
Andy Levitre

Centers

1. T'Bob Herbert: Herbert has one of the best names and is also a good center.
2. Ryan Kalil: Kalil is a veteran who is highly-respected and can start.
3. Zak Hendrix: Hendrix was drafted in the 2nd Round in 2012 and has been a solid center.

Best of the Rest
Eric Wood
Max Unger

[DynastyBeast]

Free Agency Preview: Defense

Defensive End

1. Jeremy Beal: The former seventh round draft pick had his 4th 10 sack season and a pro bowl appearance. Scary pass-rusher.
2. Ray Edwards
3. Robert Mathis: Mathis is 37 years old but still going strong
4. Trent Cole

Best of the Rest
Doran Andrews
Mychal Kendrick
Justin Tuck
Randy Starks

Defensive Tackle

1. Vince Wilfork: Run-stuffing 3-4 Nose Tackle.
2. Jay Ratliff: Injury riddled 2017 campaign. Has one last shot in NFL.
3. Alan Branch: 33 yards old and is ready for one last contract

Best of the Rest
Jonathan Babineaux
Christian Ballard
Anthony Spencer
Jerel Law

Outside Linebacker

1. Brian Orakpo: Orakpo was a franchise pass rusher for the Redskins
2. Anthony Spencer: Pro Bowl appearance last year as he racked up the tackles
3. Jerod Mayo: The ex-Patriot was a cornerstone to their defense.
4. Sean Weatherspoon: Weatherspoon has not lived up to expectations but is still a good player.
5. Tamba Hali: Aging but still a good pass-rusher.

Best of the Rest
Kenyattus Wright
Kameron Wimbley
Chad Greenway
Thomas Davis

Middle Linebacker

1. Navarro Bowman: One of the best free agents on the market. Bowman recorded 120 tackles last season.
2. Desmond Bishop: Bishop signed with the Bears two years ago and has made an immediate impact.
3. Garrick Williams: Williams was a great player for the Steelers. Had a 100 tackle season but will be replaced by younger Orleans Joesph.

Best of the Rest
Aundrey Cousins
Curtis Lofton

Cornerback

1. Cortland Finnegan: Finnegan has lost a step but is still a solid cornerback.
2. Richard Sherman: No, Sherman is not one of the best corners in this but he is very good in man and press coverage.
3. Aqib Talib: Talib got burnt a lot last year and is a few years removed from his prime.

Best of the Rest
Brandon Harris
Vontae Davis
Chris Cook
Javier Arenas
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Safety

1. Amari Spievey: Spievey is in his prime and is a playmaker
2. Markel Scott: Scott is a former #7 overall pick who has not lived up to expectations but can be a solid starter.
3. Jarius Byrd: Byrd was an elite player but has struggled the last few years. This could be a real boom-or-bust signing.
4. LaRon Landry: We already know he can hit.
5. Donte Whitney: So can he.
6. Michael Griffin: See above

Best of the Rest
Aaron Henry
Major Wright
Pat Chung

[DynastyBeast]

Ravens Free Agency Recap

The Ravens ink 5 players in free agency to contracts. Pat Chung, Darren McFadden, Kevin Goessling, DeSean Jackson and Josh Porter. Ozzie didn't spend a lot but the players he do fill needs. Pat Chung signed a 2 year $5.1 million dollar contract. Chung will be the primary backup safety behind
superstars Hassan Glover and Arron Bell.

Darren McFadden has a lot of milage but he will not be expected to have 320 carries. This move helps to fill the void left by Ray Rice's departure. The Ravens have three solid running backs that can share carries. McFadden has a similar deal to Chung with a 2 year $5.3 million dollar deal.

DeSean Jackson was cut by the Eagles and was mainly signed to be the Ravens return specialist. He may see some time in four or five receiver sets.
DeSean signed a 2 year $4.3 million dollar deal.

The final two moves were minor but they inked kicker Kevin Goessling. Goessling is 30 and won Kicker of the Year in 2013. Josh Porter was signed to compete for tight end. He only recorded three catches for the Seahawks but showed flashes in preseason.