With the Ravens kicking of their 2016 training camp campaign today with injured veterans and rookies reporting, it’s that time of year when I opine on who needs to step up, some potential surprise players, and a few potential disappointments.
Without further ado:
Players Who Need To Step Up
Jimmy Smith: We have seen glimpses of Jimmy being a true NFL shutdown corner and the Ravens desperately need him to be that player in 2016. Smith played in all 16 games last season for just the second time in his career, and the lanky cornerback has to find a way to stay healthy. Coming off surgery this offseason, last season’s team interception leader will likely have his reps limited in camp and preseason. He needs to use those reps wisely. His change of direction skills and pre-snap reads need improvement and new secondary coach Leslie Frazier must get the most out of the 27-year-old Smith this season.
Ronnie Stanley:Â On offense, Stanley, may be the most important player on the field aside from quarterback Joe Flacco. The organization has moved on from oft-injured (and now retired) left tackle Eugene Monroe, thus thrusting the first-round draft pick into a starting role. Stanley comes from a big collegiate program (Notre Dame) and will need to translate his game very quickly to the NFL. Flacco’s success – and that of the offense as a whole – will depend on it.
Potential Surprises
Alex Lewis:Â The rookie guard out of Nebraska is fiery who quietly turned heads throughout minicamp (as did fellow offensive lineman Ryan Jensen). While John Urschel appears to currently have the lead in the left guard competition, if Lewis and/or Jensen have big summers, they could end up front runners to replace Kelechi Osemele who left via free agency, potentially setting up an all-rookie class protecting Flacco’s blindside.
Jerraud Powers: The eight-year veteran cornerback was picked up by the Ravens in free agency and fits Dean Pees’ defensive scheme quite well. Experienced in the slot corner position, Powers finds himself in good position for a starting spot with Lardarius Webb making the transition to safety. Powers led the team in interceptions in minicamp and could provide a much needed spark to the secondary as a player looking to resurrect his career in Baltimore.
Potential Disappointments
Terrell Suggs: After missing last season with his second Achilles tear, the veteran Ravens pass rusher faces an uphill battle to return to form heading into the 2016 season. Suggs, who will turn 34 in October, has been missing in action this offseason, and all eyes will be on the former Defensive Player of the Year when he reports for training camp. He is slated to speak to the media on Wednesday and hopefully for the Ravens sake he reports in shape. He won’t do much in camp or preseason but needs to bring it on Sundays.
Lardarius Webb:Â His hefty price tag at the safety position alone makes this a move the Ravens cannot afford to regret. The defensive backfield has been in shambles in recent years and many question whether an injury-prone cornerback can make the transition to safety and be successful. The addition of free agent Eric Weddle may provide Webb with some room for error back there. However, Father Time is undefeated. Webb needs a strong camp to bring a sigh of relief to those hoping for vast improvement in the secondary.
Dark Horse To Make Final 53
Terrance West:Â The former Towson running back is likely on his last leg in the NFL after failed stints in Cleveland and Tennessee. West will need a strong camp/preseason to stick around in a crowded running back corps. West did see action in 2015 (6 games, 46 rushes, 180 yards) after Justin Forsett suffered a season-ending injury and played well. The Ravens have lacked that big-bodied back who can move the chains in short yardage situations in recent years and West fits the bill. I look for him to displace Lorenzo Taliaferro and Trent Richardson for the 4th running back spot.
Potential Surprise Cut
Dennis Pitta:Â The Ravens have a serious decision to make this summer regarding the veteran tight end. Cap implications aside, the tight end corps is deep and roster spots are at a minimum. Free agent acquisition Benjamin Watson joins Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Pitta, Nick Boyle (suspended 10 games) and Darren Waller (suspended 4 games). First and foremost Pitta has to prove he can stay healthy in order for him to make the roster. If he does it certainly helps the offense; however, it does stunt the growth of the younger tight ends. This is a tough situation for Oz and company.
2016 Bold Predictions
Rookies Kamalei Correa and Bronson Kaufusi will each have more sacks than Terrell Suggs.
Free agent cornerback Jerraud Powers will lead the team in interceptions.
Wide receiver Breshad Perriman and his new haircut will lead the receiving corps in touchdowns in 2016, catching at least nine.
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