The Baltimore Ravens have been consistently successful enough that they get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to roster moves.
But after an offseason that saw them lose plenty of talent via free agency and trades, ESPN’s Seth Walder is at least raising an eyebrow at the Ravens offseason.
Walder gave the Ravens a “B” for this offseason, but raised some concerns about the Ravens’ offensive and defensive line.
Walder wrote of the Ravens’ offensive line:
“There is also offensive line turnover. Tackle Morgan Moses and guard John Simpson went to the Jets via free agency and a trade, respectively. Zeitler left for Detroit, and they’ll have to rely on their depth and possibly rookie tackle Roger Rosengarten to reshape that unit, which might get dicey.”
Indeed, offensive line is the biggest question mark for the Ravens this season. NFL analyst Aaron Schatz also identified the Ravens’ offensive line as their biggest remaining need.
After OTAs, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said the battle for the starting spots on the offensive line was still up in the air, with multiple candidates still in contention. Harbaugh was optimistic, however, saying that all of the Ravens’ options to fill in for Moses, Simpson, and Zeitler looked capable.
Elsehwere, Walder questioned the Ravens’ big contract for Justin Madubuike, wondering if Madubuike’s 13-sack season last year was a product of defensive scheme.
There’s no question the Ravens needed a pass-rusher, and it’s hard to fault them for paying the defensive tackle after a huge season in which he recorded 13.0 sacks, but I’m a little wary. Mike Macdonald’s simulated pressure-filled scheme was a contributor to Madubuike’s success, and Macdonald left for Seattle. Elsewhere on defense, the Ravens let linebacker Patrick Queen, edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and safety Geno Stone walk in free agency.
The losses on the defensive side of the ball are less concerning, given that the Ravens still have some defensive superstars in Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and Madubuike. The Ravens also added some defensive talent in the draft.
Walder complimented the Ravens’ contract for Derrick Henry, calling it the team’s “most fun” move of the offseason and a relatively inexpensive one.
The Ravens have relied on a draft-and-develop philosophy for years, and it has led them to success. Baltimore is not the kind of team to have a flashy offseason, but they’ll once again look smart if they’re back in contention for the AFC North.
