NFL
By: Greg Rector
The Baltimore Ravens 2021 season was marred by the injury bug in a big way. Despite the injuries at one point, the Ravens were 8-3 and then failed to win again. This franchise is unaccustomed to not being a playoff team. Sadly the Ravens also suffered a major loss this offseason with the untimely passing of defensive end Jaylon Ferguson at just 26. The very next day a Ravens legend also passed away when Tony Siragusa died as well. The Ravens organization certainly had a busy offseason. General manager Eric Decastro and his scouting staff had the usual high-level draft and the infusion of new talent will be key to their 2022 season.
Offense
Everything on the Ravens’ offense goes through quarterback Lamar Jackson. One can argue about his ability to be a passer but you can’t say he isn’t one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. He is also in the midst of a possible huge contract extension. If Kyler Murray’s deal is any indication Jackson is in line for a very large deal indeed. The return of both JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards in the backfield will be most welcome. The running back committee also sees Mike Davis as a solid third option. The receiving corps lost Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and the feature receiver is now Rashod Bateman. The passing game will still rely upon tight end Mark Andrews one of the best at the position. In a common refrain for Baltimore, they drafted Charlie Kolar (Iowa State) and Isiah Likely (Coastal Carolina) to add to their depth at tight end as well. Devin Duvernay will need to step up as a consistent contributor. One big addition via the draft was taking center Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa) who simply put is a technician at the position although a bit undersized for the liking of some. While he is a project at this point the Ravens also drafted the biggest player in the class when they selected 6’8″ 368 lb Daniel Faalele (Minnesota) the offensive line was already a good unit and they got better in the draft.
Defense
This unit was already pretty strong, to begin with. Like the offense, the draft again was very good for the Ravens. Getting a 6’4″ 220 lb safety Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame) and adding free safety Marcus Williams (Saints) suddenly the Ravens might have one of the best safety tandems in the league. They join corners Marlon Humphreys and Marcus Peters good luck facing that secondary. He won’t play this year but the deep Ravens roster allowed them to also select highly touted edge David Ojabo (Michigan) are we sensing a theme yet? It isn’t over as in the third round the Ravens chose Travis Jones (Connecticut) who many had as the second-best defensive tackle in the draft after Jordan Davis. Jones can pass rush and add him to a group of veterans in Calais Campbell, Michael Pierce and Justin Madubuike, yes the rich keep getting richer indeed. The moral of the story is the Baltimore Ravens year in and year out tend to hit home runs with their draft and like with Williams they also get free agents if need be to bolster the roster. The additions of Hamilton and Jones will make this a very strong defense. It also doesn’t hurt that the Ravens have the best kicker in the game in record-setting Justin Tucker the most accurate kicker in NFL history and now the holder of the longest field goal ever at 66 yards.
Outlook
With a healthier season, the Ravens can compete against anyone. Lamar Jackson has the motivation of a huge contract and while his receivers aren’t world beaters, the group at tight end and the running backs also being good at receiving will be the key to success offensively. The additions on both offense and defense will infuse some youth and that’s always an important factor. I believe the Ravens are poised to return to the top of the AFC North and I feel they will do so with a 12-5 record. John Harbaugh and his staff have all the ingredients. Get ready for the season with new gear HERE.
