In-Depth Team Analysis: Ravens
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by user Letstalknfl
Let's talk Baltimore Ravens...
Free Agency
Grade: D-
Ovie Mughelli is a loss and it’ll be up to third year player Justin Green to replace him. Willis McGahee is a game-breaker and a significant upgrade over Jamal Lewis, who hasn’t been the same since his amazing 2003 season. Adalius Thomas is a huge loss who will not be replaced easily. His versatility and knack for making plays was a huge reason why the Ravens’ defense was so dominant last year. The loss of Aubrayo Franklin hurts the depth on the defensive line, and he will need to be replaced in order to keep the outstanding trio of Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg, and Trevor Pryce fresh.
The loss of two starters on the offensive line, Mulitalo and Pashos, will undoubtedly hurt the team, if for no other reason than simple continuity.
Overall, Baltimore had a rough off-season. While the addition of McGahee is huge and will bring back the strong running game and provide some big plays for the Ravens’ offense, the losses outweigh the one gain. Baltimore will be hard-pressed to find another Thomas, and depth along the offensive line has to be a legitimate concern.
Draft:
Grade: B+
The Ravens drafted one of the most sure-fire picks in the draft in OG Ben Grubbs. If guards were held at a higher premium in this league, I would’ve projected him as a top-ten prospect. Things as they are, the Ravens got lucky and were wise to select him with the 29 th overall pick. He can step in and start immediately and will replace the departed Edwin Mulitalo. Yanda in the 3 rd was a great pickup as well. Yanda can play OG or OT and will likely be groomed to replace Tony Pashos or to eventually take over for Jonathan Ogden who may only have one or two seasons left before he retires. For now, expect Yanda to provide depth at both positions while he learns from some of the best. The Chicago Bears found a gem last year in RS Devin Hester and every team in the league watched him make a profound effect on the success of that franchise. The Ravens have attempted to find this year’s version in the speedy but extremely raw Figurs. There’s no doubting his potential as a return man, but he’ll need a lot of coaching to get his game to the next level. Still, it’s hard to question the choice after the Ravens’ return game suffered so greatly last year after the injury to B.J. Sams. The idea is for Figurs to take over eventually and to provide insurance in the event that Sams can’t return to form. Prescott Burgess was a steal in the sixth, and he and Barnes have a chance to learn behind some of the best backers in the league, along with one of the best defensive coordinators in Rex Ryan. McClain may compete for the position vacated by Ovie Mughelli, but he’ll likely be stuck behind Justin Green, struggling for a roster spot. I’m a firm believer in drafting a QB in every draft. You never know when the next Tom Brady will come your way in the later rounds. Drafting Troy Smith was a value pick in the fifth and makes sense. He is undersized and has an erratic arm, but no one doubts his athletic ability. Getting the chance to learn behind Steve McNair may prove to be a valuable step for Smith. Overall, the Ravens had a very good draft, as they usually do, with two or three players likely to have some sort of impact this season, and Grubbs likely a ten year starter at the guard position from day one.
Coaching:
Brian Billick is in his eight season as the head coach and has had a very up-and-down tenure. He’s won a Super Bowl, drafted one of the best defenses I’ve ever seen, and groomed a 2,000 yard rusher. He’s also drafted a first round bust at QB, turned over his play-calling to an OC and then taken control back. He’s had up-and-down playoff seasons, and he’s at times been outshined by the Bengals and the Steelers in the competitive AFC North division. This season, he comes off a year in which his defense carried the team to a division winning 13-3 record, followed by a first round bye in the playoffs, and then a bitter loss at home to the Colts. The offense did just enough to get by, and will need to be greatly improved this season or else Billick will once again find wavering fan support. For a former “offensive guru,” Billick has failed to create offensive excitement throughout his time in Baltimore. Billick also serves as the Ravens offensive coordinator, though he gets help from O-Line/Assistant HC Chris Foerster.
Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan probably should be a head coach right now. Resigning him should be considered just as big an off-season move as the signing of Willis McGahee. Ryan’s aggressive schemes and ability to maximize the skills of his players have earned him the right to be ranked as one of the top defensive minds in the game. With Ryan running the defense, the Ravens will likely provide the same headaches as usual to opposing offenses, even with the loss of Adalius Thomas.
Grade: B
Quarterbacks:
Starter Steve McNair did just enough in his first season as the Raven’s quarterback. However, at times he looked uncomfortable and his throws were a little off. He’s been a great player for over a decade, but after all the injuries over the years, it may be nearing the end for him. He does however still have some juice left. If he gets protection and can make just a few more big plays, then there’s no reason he can’t have a pro bowl type of season. The Ravens are fine with McNair for the time being, though they seriously need to consider their long-term situation at quarterback… especially if Troy Smith doesn’t show some great signs of development in his rookie year. Kyle Boller is a former first round bust but has settled nicely into a backup role. Coming off the bench, he showed that he’s learned a little bit about how to use his big-time arm, and with a little luck, helped the Ravens when called upon. However, Boller is entering the final season of his contract and it is unlikely the Ravens will resign him. Troy Smith is a prospect, but definitely one that needs development. Time will tell whether or not he’s a Heisman Trophy] QB likened to Vinny Testaverde and Carson Palmer, or whether he’s closer to Tommy Frazier and Jason White.
Grade: C+
Running Backs
Last year, the Ravens had Jamal Lewis as the starting tailback and Ovie Mughelli at fullback. Both of them are gone. Mughelli was a good young player and will be missed. It’ll be up to Justin Green and rookie Le’Ron McClain to replace him. This is likely going to be a downgrade. Jamal Lewis however has declined rapidly over the last few years and doesn’t seem to have any of the burst that he used to. The Ravens brought in Willis McGahee to replace him. McGahee is a very good running back with excellent vision, better than average speed, and great cutting ability. He’s a tough runner who plays through injuries and he instantly upgrades the running game. Additionally, defenses are going to have to key in on him a lot more which could mean good things for QB Steve McNair. Mike Anderson and Musa Smith are both very good backups and create excellent depth. Anderson is a good between-the-tackles kind of runner while Smith has the big play potential to serve as a valuable change of pace back. Overall, the Ravens have one of the deepest sets of running backs in the league.
Grade: A-
Receivers
Todd Heap is a top five Tight End. He’s an adequate blocker when needed, but his true value lies in his hands. He’s catches the ball fluidly and plays with a high level of consistency. He’s quicker than expected and has just enough speed to stretch the seam. Heap fills the role of the check-down option as well as anyone in the league and is a perennial pro bowler at the position. Dan Wilcox and Quinn Sypniewski provide depth. The Ravens lack a true blocking TE though, as they rely upon their consistently productive offensive line to protect the QB.
Derrick Mason has lost a step and is now a number two option for the team. He still has good hands though and is a valuable starter. Mark Clayton is a budding young star though, and the Ravens would be wise to get him the ball as much as possible. He’s a blue-collar kind of guy who’s got just enough speed to go deep and isn’t afraid to go across the middle. Where his true value lies is his run-after-the-catch ability. Once he has the ball in his hands, he runs hard and tough and is elusive in the open field. Demetrius Williams showed that he has a future in this league making some tough catches and showing deceptive speed. He’s ideal for the slot, and may start in place of Mason eventually. Clarence Moore is a big target who’s effective going after jump balls. Blazing fast rookie Yamon Figurs is likely too raw to make an impact at WR, and was drafted primarily to help in the return game.
Grade: B
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Offensive Line
Jonathan Ogden has been a staple of the offensive line at LT since the team made him their first draft choice in 1996. Though his career may be drawing near an end, he is still one of the best in the game. Adam Terry figures to start on the other side after logging a couple of starts last season, though it remains to be seen if he’ll make the transition from reliable depth guy to solid starter. The team will miss Tony Pashos who emerged last year after he took over at RT before mid-season. Mulitalo will be missed at OG, but 1 st round choice Ben Grubbs should actually provide an upgrade and will help form one of the most formidable left sides in the league. Keydrick Vincent and Chris Chester provide adequate work at RG, with Vincent the likely starter. Grubbs could also fit in there, leaving Jason Brown on the left side, who is an adequate starter. Mike Flynn is a solid center who has been with the team for about a decade. The versatile Yanda provides depth and could be Ogden’s eventual replacement. Depth at OT could be an issue, but the Ravens overall look solid up front.
Grade: B+
Defensive Line
Kelly Gregg is one of the most underrated players in the league. He’s a consistent competitor at the DT position and does an excellent job of both stuffing the run and occupying blockers in order to free up the Baltimore LB corps. Last year’s 1 st round pick Haloti Ngata justified his selection by also occupying blockers and showing a knack for big plays. He even returned an interception last year for 60 yards before being run down from behind. He’ll likely be a staple on the line for years. Trevor Pryce is still solid, but he’s in the twilight of his career. He’s still a valuable starter though and helps to form one of the best defensive lines in football. Dwan Edwards and Atiyyah Ellison provide a little depth, though the Ravens need another solid player to put into the rotation and to groom behind Pryce.
Grade: A
Linebackers:
The loss of Adalius Thomas is a key one indeed, but the Ravens have enough talent at the LB position to remain one of the better units in the league. Ray Lewis is declining but will still be a force in the middle for another couple of years. He is also a locker room leader at the defensive general of that team. Bart Scott has the playmaking ability to make a difference, and is a sure enough tackler to play at a pro bowl level in any game. Terrell Suggs is the kind of versatile, hard-hitting, pass rushing OLB that has to have Rex Ryan drooling and QB’s up all night. Year after year he proves himself to be a great player off the edge. Resigning Jarrett Johnson provides depth as do rookie backers Barnes and Burgess. Johnson is one of the better backups in the league and has the talent to start on the outside or in the middle if needed. Gary Stills will plugged in on the outside where Thomas was. This is one of the few potential holes on a great defense.
Grade: A-
Secondary
The most glaring hole on this incredible defense is arguably at the number two cornerback position. Samari Rolle has always been serviceable, but has declined and gets burned way too often. This position definitely needs an upgrade. Corey Ivy is better suited as a nickel guy, and Evan Oglesby and Derrick Martin provide little more than depth. Ronnie Prude could develop but at this point is still just an adequate backup. Chris McAllister is their number one corner and is one of the best in the league. While he often takes a few too many risks, he is scary good and causes more than one nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Ed Reed is arguably the best Safety in the league. Positioned at the Free Safety spot, Reed is a hard hitter who also has excellent cover skills. Dawan Landry showed last year why the draft is so important. As a late round choice, he came in as a starter and played extremely well. Lining up along side Reed and under Ryan’s tutelage, Landry has a very bright future ahead of him. Reed and Landry make up arguably the best Safety tandem in the league. This grade would be an A+ with a solid number two corner.
Grade: A-
Special Teams:
Sam Koch is a solid punter. His gross punting average last year was about on par with the rest of the league and his net average was actually higher than most. His kicks inside the 20 are impressive, as he finished with 30 (fifth best in the league). Matt Stover has been a mainstay with the franchise for what seems like forever, and he is the only remaining player on the Raven’s roster who moved with the team from Cleveland in 1996. He kicked over 93 percent last season, but you have to wonder how much longer he can perform at a high level. He’s currently 39, but he’s one of the most beloved players in Baltimore. The return game is solid with B.J. Sams in the lineup, but it fell short after his injury last year. The Ravens are hoping that can change with Figurs, and if he can learn quickly, they may have a very dangerous return game.
Grade: B
Overall Analysis:
The Baltimore Ravens have to be considered the favorites to win the AFC North, even though it’ll likely be highly competitive. They seem to be as close to a complete team as there is in the league right now. They’re biggest drawback has simply been a lack of explosiveness on offense. If they can even draw a small spark on a consistent basis, then there may not be any team that can beat them. The addition of Willis McGahee may end up improving the effectiveness of not only the running game, but the entire offense. Defenses just weren’t very scared of Jamal Lewis last year. McGahee will bring some of the fear back to Baltimore. This is a team with something to prove, and they have the talent to do so.
Good talking NFL! Brandon
