Ravens’ three biggest needs following free agency
There are nonetheless a number of big-name gamers on the open market, however with the majority of free company over, groups should flip their attentions to the 2024 NFL Draft to fill out their rosters.
The Ravens have been in a position to retain defensive sort out Justin Madubuike and land working again Derrick Henry this offseason, however misplaced a number of of their prime free brokers together with linebacker Patrick Queen (Steelers), edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers) and security Geno Stone (Bengals).
Listed below are Baltimore’s three greatest wants following free company.
Offensive line
The Ravens misplaced each of their beginning guards, John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions), in free company. In addition they traded proper sort out Morgan Moses to the Jets.
In consequence, Baltimore may have three new starters on its offensive line in 2024. Who they are going to be is up for debate, but it surely’s unlikely that all the workforce’s solutions are presently on the roster.
Fortunately, this yr’s draft is wealthy with offensive line expertise. So, the Ravens will be capable to deal with guard, offensive sort out or each on the finish of April.
Edge-rusher
The Ravens additionally misplaced two of their prime three sack leaders in 2023. Clowney, who logged the second-most sacks (9.5) on the workforce, determined to affix the Panthers whereas Kyle Van Noy, who had the third-most sacks (9), continues to be a free agent.
Baltimore might nonetheless carry again Van Noy if the worth is correct, however that will doubtless be on one other one-year deal. That is why the workforce ought to make investments a Day 1 or Day 2 choose on the place.
The Ravens have already invested a 2021 first-round choose on Odafe Oweh and a 2022 second-round choose on David Ojabo. Nonetheless, each gamers mixed for simply six sacks final season.
Cornerback
Baltimore watched a number of gamers in its secondary undergo accidents throughout the 2023 season. The workforce was already skinny on the place, however that put it even additional below the microscope.
Three-time Professional Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey ought to nonetheless be a stable piece for years to come back, however there is not a lot depth previous him.
Whereas the Ravens misplaced a number of key gamers at different positions, there’s a robust argument that cornerback is their greatest want. A participant like Alabama’s Kool-Help McKinstry might be the choose at No. 30 general.