The ever-changing world of how NFL offenses are lining up are lining up has caused nightmares for defensive coordinators around the National Football League. Rule changes and the college game have paved the way for pro offenses to exhibit so many new looks. To match the way offenses have changed, teams need more versatility on defense.
More players need to prioritize pass defense over run defense, which has created a need for positions that defend attacks through the air first.
For example, defensive backs.
When John Harbaugh began his tenure in Baltimore in 2008, the defense had five DBs on the field about 40% of the time. Now, as Peter King of MMQB pointed out, it’s over 60% of the time.
“It changes your roster a little bit and how you look at the roster,” responded head coach John Harbaugh when asked about the way they’ve used more defensive backs. “How many defensive linemen, how many nose guards, how many big guys do you want to put on the field and how many reps do they get throughout the course of the season?
“How many linebackers? How many [defensive backs]? How many defensive backs that are versatile? How many true safeties? How many strong safeties are really going to play over the course of the next five, six or 10 years? Is it going to be safeties that have corner ability that can cover – rangy guys? We really have to think about how we build our defense, because you’re right, it’s over 60 percent [with] five defensive backs.”
In a conference and a division that features several high-powered offenses, the Ravens must find that versatile player who can compete with those sort of personnel groupings later this month.
“It’s really the personnel that the offense is putting on the field and you’re matching it, and then people put base on the field and still spread you out,” added Harbs. “New England is a great example, and of course we’re always thinking about who we’re going to play.
“They have the two tight ends, and they’re going to line those guys up in formations that you’re going to have to defend the run, but you’re also going to have to defend the passes if those guys are wide receivers. So, it’s going to create the need for more versatile players.”
Fortunately for the Ravens, the college ranks are also producing those types of players on defense.
“Guys like Myles Jack, who was mentioned earlier, comes to mind – a guy that can play multiple positions,” Harbaugh pointed out. “Guys like Joey Bosa who can rush the passer, but can still drop; those guys are going to be really valuable.”
Valuable for sure, and those types of players are needed to make an immediate impact. While we may have no idea just how the Ravens draft board is set up, one thing for certain is that one of those types of players should be there later this month in Chicago when the Ravens are on the clock.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
