This is the second part of a series where I’ll list those players who I believe to be most critical for the Ravens this season. Obviously, every Ravens player is important, as football is the ultimate team game. This is a list, though, that looks at players who are on on track for a breakout season, play a position at which the Ravens desperately need help, or are stepping up to take a leadership role.
Click here for Part 1: Numbers 20-17
In this edition of our countdown, we highlight players that are either starters or frequent contributors. Each player on this list is key to Baltimore’s success, and is able to contribute from more than one position.
While they’re all young players, they’ve shown the ability to rise to the occasion when called upon. That’s good for them, because in 2016, they’ll be called upon to elevate their game even more.
Players 16-13
No. 16: DL Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams is way too good to be making $813,750 this year. His career started slowly in 2013, but steadily over the last two seasons, he’s made his talents known to anyone who watches.
Linemen, and especially interior linemen, don’t get the credit they deserve. But as he’s in a contract year, you better believe Williams is ready to make an emphatic statement.
Baltimore’s defensive line has long been a strength of the team, and that continues today. Williams has been a huge part of that in recent seasons. His power and leverage are as good any player in the league–J.J. Watt, included. If Williams can develop a more dynamic pass rush, he’ll be paid like Watt.
Williams works tirelessly and seems to enjoy doing so. In this division and on this team, he’s the perfect fit.
Whether he remains with Baltimore in 2017 or not remains to be seen. I have a feeling, though, his financial situation will be similar to Marshal Yanda’s last year. In October, Yanda was re-signed to a deal that wasn’t the highest in the league for his position, but was fair and gave him 48 percent of his contract in guaranteed money.
By all accounts, Williams loves the city of Baltimore, and its fans. He loves the game of football, too, and is very good at what he does.
This year, he can become great.
No. 15: OLB Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith might be the Raven who intrigues me the most going into 2016. He’s poised to be one of Baltimore’s best defenders, even though he’s only entering his second NFL season.
Last year, the 6’5″, 270-pounder notched 5.5 sacks in 15 games without starting once. As a reference, Elvis Dumervil led the team in sacks with six and started every game. Just imagine what Smith can do as a regular starter.
Smith’s production has seemed to fall under the radar because of other big names on Baltimore’s defense. However, with Terrell Suggs’ return unsettled, Smith will have an instant opportunity to showcase his skills. While he’s only 23, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be overwhelmed.
Barring injury, I predict Smith will record at least 10 sacks this year.
No. 14: TE Crockett Gillmore
There are some very talented players on the Ravens that Joe Flacco may not be able to throw to once the season begins. Steve Smith, Sr., Breshad Perriman, and Dennis Pitta are all returning from serious injuries. They should be good to go for Week 1, but that’s not a guarantee. Nick Boyle made some nice plays last season, but he will be suspended for the first 10 games of this season. Ben Watson and Mike Wallace should contribute a good amount as well, but they are brand new to the team. They’re veterans, but their chemistry with Flacco will take time to develop.
Enter: Crockett Gillmore. While Gillmore is returning from injury himself, he figures to be the most available player in this group come Week 1.
(Ed. Note – Some aren’t as optimistic about Gillmore’s health as Mike is. Brian Bower & Dev Panchwagh, in their first 53-man roster projection, think Gillmore will be placed on IR to start the year.)
He started each of the 10 games in which he played last year and scored four touchdowns. At times, he looked like Rob Gronkowski–who is, by far, the best tight end in football.
In March, Gillmore initially was reported to need surgery on both of his shoulders (labrum tears). As it turned out, only one of his shoulders required surgery. According to team doctors via John Harbaugh, “…the other one doesn’t need to be done…”
That’s great news for the young tight end and for Baltimore’s offense. Gillmore has a lot to offer and, when healthy, has proven he’s a legitimate threat (especially in the red zone). Hopefully he stays healthy, as no player can regularly sustain such injuries and continue to be effective.
In my opinion, Gillmore is on track for a full workload of 16 games.
No. 13: G/C John Urschel
Five months ago, when Kelechi Osemele signed with Oakland as a free agent, the path to the starting left guard position was paved for John Urschel. He’s an above-average player, and looked to be the natural replacement for Osemele.
To be clear, though, the left guard position isn’t his for the taking. He’ll need to compete with Ryan Jensen, who, along with Urschel, is entering his third pro season. Jensen has six starts to his name, and Urschel has 10. Urschel is probably equally as effective at center, but for now that starting spot goes to Jeremy Zuttah.
Urschel would greatly benefit from more experience. I can’t imagine he’d be overwhelmed by the increased responsibilities, but owning a position instead of being a rotational player is something that I think would greatly benefit himself and the team as a whole. He’s got a lot to offer and is only getting better.
Regardless of where he plays or if he starts, Urschel will be a vital part of Baltimore’s offensive gameplan in 2016.
