The Baltimore Ravens are one of the premier teams in the NFL.
They have one of the best rosters, starring playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Their front office constructed a juggernaut of an offense revolving around reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.
Since 2018, there have been 14 instances where QBs have run for 100+ rushing yards.
Lamar Jackson has 10 of those 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CYmj9KbcAM
— PFF (@PFF) January 12, 2021
The defense is loaded as well, limiting opposing offenses on the ground and through the air.
As a result, the Ravens will be competing for the playoffs for years to come.
And while they do not have any glaring holes, there are a few improvements that GM Eric DeCosta could make.
Even if the Ravens win a championship this year, great teams rarely ever remain complacent.
Here are three positions that Baltimore will look to address in the 2021 draft.
Wide Receiver
When it comes to the Ravens’ offense, there are zero questions about their philosophy.
With all due respect to Mark Ingram, the fearsome trio of JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Jackson are the core of their gameplan.
Fueled by this three-headed monster, the Ravens led the league in rushing with 192 yards per game.
Jackson also became the first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back season.
Lamar Jackson 1,000-yard rushing seasons: 2
All other QBs in NFL history 1,000-yard rushing seasons combined: 1
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 3, 2021
With his dynamic rushing ability, he will never have to become a “prototypical” pocket passer.
He has also silenced many of his critics by improving his accuracy and willingness to throw the ball.
Adding a physical presence on the perimeter, though, could facilitate Jackson’s development as a complete quarterback.
Willie Snead, Myles Boykins, and Dez Bryant are ancillary pieces and should not be playing a majority of the snaps.
Barring an unexpected trade to move up, the Ravens will have to settle for some of the lesser options outside LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase or Alabama’s DeVonta Smith.
Luckily, the wide receiver class is filled to brim with upside, meaning that Baltimore still has the chance to draft a skilled pass-catcher in either the late first or second round.
Look for them to target Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman, Clemson’s Justyn Ross, or LSU’s Terrace Marshall, all of who stand at 6’2” or taller.
Minnesota's Rashod Bateman (6-2, 210) is an advanced route-runner with strong hands in open and contested-catch situations.
He’s not a rare athlete, but he still creates separation quickly at and away from the LOS — very smart football player and likely top-50 pick. pic.twitter.com/lInR8uwWhp
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) January 8, 2021
Any of them would pair nicely with the speedy Marquise Brown and the dependable Mark Andrews.
Pass Rush
The Ravens already field one of the most well-rounded defenses in the league.
All-Pro talents such as Calais Campbell, Marcus Peters, and Marlon Humpheries litter their roster.
Final 2020 NFL secondary rankings
The #Ravens have a top-5 secondary in the NFL!https://t.co/ITTL7MwBuI
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) January 14, 2021
They rank in the top eight against both the pass and the rush and generate pressure at the fifth-highest rate.
However, that last mark may come down if the Ravens can not retain some of their free agents.
None of Matthew Judon, Yannick Ngakoue, or Derek Wolfe are under contract for 2021, potentially leaving a hole at the edges.
Baltimore doesn’t have enough cap to resign all of them, leaving the draft to find a replacement.
Guys like Michigan’s Kwity Paye or Miami’s Gregory Rosseau will likely be long gone by the end of the first round.
Rosseau’s teammate, Quincy Roche, could be someone the Ravens are eyeing.
Check out the dip and corner turn from Quincy Roche to get the QB hit here
Him and Jaelan Phillips have been one of my favorite EDGE tandems to watch film on so far #TheU pic.twitter.com/y4K17Xykp9
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) October 30, 2020
Carlos Basham out of Wake Forest and Patrick Jones II from Pittsburgh are players to monitor as well.
Offensive Line
Baltimore’s offensive line is far from a disadvantage but could use help at the guard position.
Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown Jr. form one of the best bookend tandems in the league.
Stanley, an All-Pro, suffered a season-ending ankle injury but should make a full recovery next season.
Patrick Mekari took over at center in the second half of the season and played admirably.
However, the Ravens had a revolving door of players at right guard, and left guard Bradley Bozeman was mediocre.
Multiple concerns on #Ravens interior offensive line.https://t.co/BR9mp6xiCy
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) September 4, 2020
For an offense that relies heavily on rushing, finding a road grater in the middle of the line should elevate this unit.
While it is unlikely, having Ohio State’s Wyatt Davis reunite with former Buckeye Dobbins would be a dream scenario.
Someone like Tennessee’s Trey Smith or Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood could end up playing in Baltimore too.
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