Studs, Not Depth, Lacking on Ravens Perimeter
After the Super Bowl glory of 2012-13, and the city-wide farewell to #52, Ozzie Newsome declared “the middle of the defense” as the Ravens’ biggest need. Ozzie’s framework is inside-out. Despite some personnel “misses” in year one, Baltimore has, two years later, solidified the team’s core on both sides of the ball. A veteran presence in Daryl Smith, all the makings of a perennial pro bowler in C.J. Mosley, an immoveable athlete in Brandon Williams, and the versatile Timmy Jernigan have re-energized the defense and allowed veterans like Ngata, Suggs and Doom to thrive. Meanwhile, replacements at center and both tackles, coupled with positional stability have forged a dynamic offensive line.
This commitment to the middle, however, has led to a very tangible problem. The Ravens’ offensive and defensive perimeter positions are mirror images of each other. And unfortunately, this year their image was—well, let’s just say—less Pamela Anderson and more Anderson Varejão.
The receivers, corners, and even safeties (although safety is a position Oz had in mind in early 2013 when targeting the defense’s core by drafting Matt Elam) are genuine positions of need that must be bolstered this offseason.
However, with these weaknesses comes a unique reality: the depth at those positions is actually fairly solid. I have recently taken to describing these positions as follows: “we have four #2s, but zero #1s.” Of course that is hyperbole, but upon close inspection, stockpiling players at these positions likely is not the answer.
The future of Torrey Smith – official lightning rod for the Ravens’ Divisional Round exit – is in question, while Steve Smith is a feisty, productive, yet aging presence. Kamar Aiken, Marlon Brown, and even Michael Campanaro have shown signs that they can make meaningful contributions. I find myself alone as a bit of a Torrey apologist this offseason (at the right price), but even I readily admit: a true, game-changing #1 WR he is not.
At corner, there is Jimmy Smith, who was the Ravens’ best player at times early this year, but his season-ending injury devastated the secondary (he was PFF’s 5th best cover corner in the league when he went down in Cincinnati). Webby is a savvy veteran, but is overpaid, and the question of whether his bones/ligaments are made of paper mache is still unsettled. Otherwise, it has been a carousel of Asa Jackson, Anthony Levine, Rashaan Melvin, Danny Gorrer, et al. Again, decent potential, but better depth than top-end stuff.
Even the safety position boasts a quality starter (Will Hill) and four other players (Darian Stewart, Jeromy Miles, Terrence Brooks, and Elam) who have carved out small roles for themselves, but none appear to be of consistent starting caliber.
So what does all of this mean?
(1) Depth is a sign of a healthy organization. It is no surprise that the Ravens consistently challenge in the AFC.
(2) But for pro-bowl starters at these positions, I actually view them as deep, talented areas of the roster.
(3) The front office may be put in an interesting bind when addressing the squad’s perimeter. Why waste picks on a 3rd round receiver or a 4th round free safety when the team already has those caliber players under contract?
With the Ravens’ general proclivity towards free agency anonymity and their tight cap situation, this year’s draft will be ever-important. Fans all around Baltimore have been waiting years for this day, but maybe, just maybe, the time is now to address skill positions with high-round draft picks. “Best player available” will never be abandoned, but Ozzie’s reward for building such a deep roster should be getting himself a new toy (or two) on the outside.
submitted by Kyle Rate
