Where Do the Ravens Go From Here?
GM Eric DeCosta and the Ravens front office earned high praise for quickly and dramatically improving their front line on defense this offseason. They moved Brandon Williams back to his natural spot at NT and surrounded him with Calais Campbell and Michael Brockers, sending a message to opposing offensive coordinators to go ahead and remove all the runs from their playbook when they see the Ravens on their schedule. Unfortunately, Brockers deal fell through and having already let Michael Pierce walk and traded Chris Wormley to the Steelers, the Ravens are suddenly looking a bit thin up front. Obviously there’s no need to panic as free agency is far from over and Baltimore has plenty of draft capital but they will need to address the D-line again so here’s a look at some of their options.
Free Agents
Mike Daniels- Once upon a time Mike Daniels was an elite interior defender, spending his early years wreaking havoc in both the run and pass game in Green Bay. Injuries have slowed him a bit recently, he missed just 2 games over his first 5 seasons and 15 over the last 3. He’ll be turning 31 prior to the start of the season and can likely be signed on the cheap. Bringing in Daniels would be a bit of a hopeful move, gambling that getting and staying healthy will bring him back to his former dominance.
Shelby Harris- After a slow start to his career, Shelby Harris has proven his worth over the last 3 seasons in Denver. He’s racked up 13 sacks, 23 TFLs including career highs in tackles, sacks, TFLs, PDs, and snaps in 2019. At 28 and having no injury history he’ll likely require a bigger investment than the other free agents on this list but should also provide the biggest return.
Derek Wolfe- Shelby Harris’ former teammate Derek Wolfe is someone the Ravens were rumored to be interested in prior to the start of free agency. Stout against the run and adequate as a pass rusher, Wolfe would be a great addition to the Ravens defensive front. He is over 30 and has had injury concerns of his own but when healthy he’s a rock solid starter who you can count on to get the job done every time. Also despite missing 4 games he’s coming off one of his best seasons statistically after a couple down years, so you may be looking at a late career resurgence when signing Wolfe.
Draft
Justin Madubuike Texas A&M- Strength and quickness define Madubuike’s game. He can play several positions along the line and will be a terror getting into the backfield and disrupting the offense. At A&M he excelled in his two seasons as starter with 22 TFLs and 12 sacks. Like all rookies he’ll need some work, specifically in his speed coming off the ball but Madubuike should contribute early and often for the Ravens.
Neville Gallimore Oklahoma- Somewhat inconsistent during his college career and needing to step up his play against the run, Gallimore is none the less an intriguing option for Baltimore. One thing that Gallimore will provide from day one is a desperately needed boost to the pass rush. While he only recorded 8 sacks at Oklahoma, he’s constantly penetrating and pressuring the QB which is something Baltimore has lacked from their front 7 recently.
Raekwon Davis Alabama- Davis possess the size, strength and athleticism to be an elite interior defender. In 2017 he showed that promise as he was named first team ALL-SEC after an 8.5 sack, 10 TFL season. Davis hasn’t been nearly as productive since then with just 8 TFLs and 2 sacks in the last two years combined. If he can get motivated, he could provide a big boost to Baltimore’s run D and while also making the pocket an uncomfortable place for the QB. Davis would be best as a 3rd round pick along with a vet free agent to round out the defensive line group.
Marlon Davidson Auburn- A four year starter who went out with a bang posting 12.5 TFLs and leading the team with 7.5 sacks. Davidson does not get the same kind of press his teammate Derrick Brown does but he’s an explosive lineman who can play inside or out and appears to be coming into his own at the right time. Another day 2 prospect, Davidson would give the Ravens a good rotational piece in the run and pass game early on while developing into a full time starter.