Baltimore Ravens: Offseason Questions and Decisions
Today is the first Sunday without football bringing with it the beginning of the NFL offseason. But for coaches, scouts, and general managers around the league it is the start of a whole new season. One that can shape the dynamic and culture around floundering franchises or add key depth and and get healthy for teams at the top and on the rise.
The Baltimore Ravens fall into the latter category as John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta look to add to a roster that comes off their first playoff win since 2014. With Free agency and the NFL Draft not too far away, lets look at the Baltimore Ravens five key offseason questions.
Wide Receiver: Baltimore has long had its struggles in drafting and developing receivers. This was very evident last season as the Ravens finished last in the NFL with 2,919 passing yards. With a strong free agent wide receiving class the Ravens could look to spend big money for a young developed receiver. Or again turn its attention to the draft as Baltimore is being linked to LSU standout receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.
Orlando Brown: Starting Right Tackle Orlando Brown, who played a majority of his 2020 snaps at Left Tackle after Ronnie Stanley’s Season ending injury, has expressed his desire to only play Left Tackle and would prefer a trade that will allow him to do so. The Ravens have leverage because Brown is under contract for one more season. Eric DeCosta and the Ravens should look to get a similar offer, as the deal that sent tackle Laremy Tunsil from Miami to Houston for two first-round picks, and a second-round pick.
Center: After a devastating knee injury in 2019, Matt Skura returned in time for the start of the regular season and had a strong start but after three poor snaps against New England on Sunday Night, Skura was benched in place of Patrick Mekari. Mekari himself had his own issues snapping the ball during the Ravens 17-3 defeat to the Bills in the Divisional round. The Ravens could take a look at Oklahoma Center Creed Humphrey as a day two draft pickup.
Greg Roman: 2020 was another stellar season by the Baltimore Ravens offense in the rushing department. The passing game was the major flaw in Greg Romans 2020 offense. The Ravens finished 19th in the NFL in total offense, not good enough for a team with Super Bowl asperations. Adding playmakers on the outside in 2021 may be a quick fix, but Greg Roman is in dire need of adjusting his passing schemes to allow the likes of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Mark Andrews to get open and give Lamar Jackson route concept that make throws easier on him.
Matt Judon: Impending free agent Matt Judon and the Baltimore Ravens will have to come to a decision on the two-time Pro Bowler. The Ravens lack of a pass rush was evident, finishing 14th in the league with 39 sacks, six of which came from Matt Judon. Money could play a factor in the Ravens failing to re-sign Judon and with recently released edge rusher J. J. Watt on the market, Judon could possibly be in a different uniform in 2021.
