Yes, currently at 8-8, 4 loses by total of 5 pts, 5 loses by a total of 11 pts! This with all of the injuries, illness, missing their former mvp type qb for 4 games. That is how close to being very good this team was in a down year as fsr as quallity of play in the NFL.
So now, it is draft attention. The Ravens have obvious needs; offensive tackle, middle backer, edge rusher, safety, defensive tackle.
They get little pressure on the pocket, even when they do, it has turned out to lead to big plays against the beat up secondary. Houston has been a bad signing, the few plays he made never came when they needed them most. He was often stoned at the line of scrimmage, rarely held up against the run. In short, a big miss by Decosta, hopefully Owe, who showed promise early, can be an upgrade next year.
Frankly, it's too early to jusge the under sized Owe, so there is some hope there but they need to land on a true pass rusher who can also hold an edge.
The line has been an issue for, ever. Stanley is a huge question mark at left tackle, will he be healthy, can he stay healthy, will he be worth his contract? We just don't know. Even IF the answers are yes, they need a right tackle, they gambled and paid Merkari to be an expensive back multi position player, almost right tackle money, so is he who they want there next year? If so, he has to get much, much better all around. How they view him will be key to draft.
Middle backer, Queen has been a bust from the stand point of his draft; he was drafted high to be the Mike backer, but he clearly cannot play there. He has been better as a weak side backer, even then he has games where he disappears, can't get off blocks, can't cover, gets lost in zone coverage. Bynes and Board have been decent fill ins, but neither is a long term answer at middle backer. The Ravens should be in position, 15-17, to be able to land the best middle backer in the draft, the best one in a number of drafts to be honest. Dean from UGA, he has speed, size, power, instincts, yes he can actually run sideline to sideline and make a play shortly after it starts.
This draft isn't loaded with all time talent, but it does have a few players at positions the Ravens have needs. Thankfully wide out is not on the list this year, but given the cap situation and Lamar needing a huge deal to keep him, Eric and company need to really hit on their draft picks. They have a ton, 10, 9 in the first four rounds. Don't use them all, use them wisely.
