Baltimore Ravens have much work ahead to win AFC North
The Baltimore Ravens need to add in multiple areas if they want to win the AFC North for the third time in four seasons.
It’s good news, bad news for the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s start with the good. Baltimore has a 24-year-old MVP at quarterback in Lamar Jackson. Right now, he is either entering or in the midst of his prime years. The playoffs resume has plenty to lament. However, the regular season has seen almost nothing but wins for the former Louisville star. Meanwhile, the Ravens have a brutally efficient ground game and a quality defense around him.
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Now for the bad. Baltimore lost both of its edge rushers this offseason in Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue, who both bolted in free agency to the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively. Without them, the Ravens are relying heavily on the aging duo of Derek Wolfe and Calais Campbell to get the job done. Also, the Cleveland Browns have enjoyed a solid free agency, adding defensive lineman Malik Jackson along with safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill.
Ultimately, the Ravens need general manager Eric DeCosta to find some bargains on the back half of free agency before shoring things up in the draft.
Baltimore doesn’t have to spend lavishly to replace Ngakoue and Judon. Luckily for the Ravens, there are a host of good edge rushers remaining on the market including Justin Houston, Carlos Dunlap, Melvin Ingram, Jadeveon Clowney and more. Baltimore should be pursuing at least one to make some noise in Charm City come 2021.
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Additionally, the Ravens need more punch offensively. Tight end Mark Andrews is solid, but the receiving corps isn’t. Hollywood Brown was a first-round choice two years ago but hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations. The Ravens had former Kansas City Chiefs star receiver Sammy Watkins in for a visit on Tuesday, and if he’s not a fit, perhaps kick the proverbial tires on T.Y. Hilton.
Tied into the additions made by Cleveland –who also finished 11-5 like Baltimore and now gets Odell Beckham Jr. back from injury — and what happens over the next month for the Ravens could certainly determine who ends up hating a playoff game or two out of the AFC North, and who either misses the postseason entirely or hits the road come January.
