By: Mike Rifkin
The Baltimore Ravens 2021 season can be summed up in two words: injury plagued. The Ravens were one of the top teams in man games lost. Among those missing games include Quarterback Lamar Jackson who missed the final four games of the season due to an ankle injury. Running Backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards both tore their ACL before the start of the season. Left Tackle Ronnie Stanley got hurt in the season opener and then underwent Ankle surgery. Rookie receiver Rashod Bateman missed the first five games of the season due to Core Muscle Surgery. In December the team lost star corner Marlon Humphrey to a torn Pectoral muscle. Marcus Peters, the other All Pro corner tore his ACL in training camp. Despite the injuries the Ravens still finished with an 8-9 record.
Despite playing in four fewer games Lamar Jackson had the same completion percentage as he did in 2020 with 64.4 completion percentage 2,882 yards, 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Lamar added 767 yards and two touchdowns rushing . Jackson is in line for a new contract and probably will receive one, the thing we will have to wait on is the money but Jackson has earned a new deal.
Baltimore’s top two running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards both tore their ACL prior to the start of the season. Because of that Baltimore turned to veteran running backs Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray who combined for 1,077 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite the injuries the Ravens still averaged 145.8 yards per game rushing, which was third in the NFL. Baltimore was thirteenth in Passing yards per game averaging 233.0 per game. Tight end Mark Andrews led the Ravens in receptions (107), yards (1,361) and touchdowns with Nine. Andrews was sixth in the NFL in yards and was tied for fifth in receptions. Marquise Brown also had over 1,000 yards receiving on 91 catches and six touchdowns. Something that Brown will have to correct are his drops, as over the last two seasons he has a combined 13 drops. Rookie receiver Rashod Bateman, who missed the first five weeks due to core muscle surgery had 46 catches, 515 yards and a touchdown. If Bateman can stay healthy there will be an increase in his numbers, but even so still think the Ravens can use another receiver whether that’s addressed in free agency or draft.
The calling card for the Ravens has always been their defense. In 2021 the Ravens defense was 25th in yards allowed, allowing 363.4 yards per game. The Ravens were 24th in sacks with 34 and had 15 takeaways which gave them a -11 turnover differential. The only teams with worse differentials were the Bears, Jets, Jaguars and Panthers. In 2020 the Ravens were seventh in yards allowed allowing 329.8 yards per game, fourteenth in sacks with 39 and had a + 4 turnover differential as they forced 22 takeaways. Even though injuries played a major role the Ravens relieved Don “Wink” Martindale of his defensive coordinator position. Coach John Harbaugh decided to hire Mike Macdonald who was the defensive coordinator for John’s brother Jim at the University of Michigan. Macdonald was the Ravens defensive backs coach in 2017 and linebackers coach in 2018. Macdonald will inherit a defense with a lot of talent. Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey are one of the best corner duos in the NFL. Linebacker Tyus Bowser had a career high seven sacks. Rookie linebacker Odafe Oweh had five sacks and three forced fumbles. Second year linebacker Patrick Queen led the team with 98 tackles. Veteran pass rushers Justin Houston and Calais Campbell are both free agents.
Baltimore has about 9.8 million dollars in salary cap space. Baltimore can free up cap space by releasing offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva which would create six million in savings and a 3.3 dead cap hit, but if Villanueva decides to retire his salary would be forfeited. Cornerback Trayvon Young’s release would save 5.8 million dollars with a 3.3 million dead cap hit. Receiver Myles Boykin would save the Ravens 2.5 million dollars with only 214,000 in dead cap. Guard Ben Powers can save the Ravens 2.5 million dollars with 174,000 in dead cap. Powers could also be traded.
- Sign DJ Jones DT 49ers: Baltimore wants to get younger on defense. Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams are both free agents. Jones had 56 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
- Sign Trent Brown OT Patriots : The goal of the offseason has to protect Lamar Jackson. Signing Brown would definitely help that.
- Sign Allen Robinson WR Bears: Robinson had a down year in 2021 ( who on the Bears didn’t.) but he is a very good receiver and putting him with Brown, Bateman and Andrews gives the Ravens another reliable receiver.
Draft:
RD 1 (14) Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa: Can play either tackle position and can help in the run blocking game. Other names to consider : Ahmad Gardner Cornerback Cincinnati, Jordan Davis DT Georgia
RD 2 (45) Travon Walker DT Georgia: If Baltimore goes offensive line in the first round they should beef up the defensive line in the second. As noted Brandon Williams is a free agent and Walker is a good run stuffing replacement. Other names to consider: Kyler Gordon Cornerback Washington, Jaquan Brisker Safety Penn State
RD 3 (76) Christopher Allen Edge Alabama.: Injuries played a role during Allen’s time at Alabama, but the upside is a Ravens type of pick. Other names to consider Verone Mckinley Safety Oregon, Myjai Sanders Edge Cincinnati
RD 3 (100) Jalen Tolbert Receiver South Alabama: Really good route runner that can high point the football and has a lot of upside. Other names to consider Brandon Smith linebacker Penn State, Sam Williams Edge Ole Miss
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