Pass rush

[tsylvester]

"We certainly have rushers, right?" Weaver said. "I think it took a hit with losing Madubuike. I think we all know the effect that losing him had on this defense, but from a talent standpoint, we certainly have some dudes that can get there."

Weaver, new Head Coach Jesse Minter, and the entire defensive staff are eager to work with players to help them realize their full potential as pass rushers. Jones, Tavius Robinson (4.5 sacks), and Mike Green (3.5) are the returning sack leaders from last season. All have room to grow, and both Minter and Weaver have strong track records helping players develop.

Under Minter, former Raven and pending free agent outside linebacker Odafe Oweh came to life for the Chargers after the Ravens traded him. He had 7.5 sacks for Los Angeles in 12 games during the regular season and added three more sacks during a playoff loss to the New England Patriots. In five games with Baltimore in 2025, Oweh had zero sacks.

At his most recent press conference, Minter was asked about his approach to helping Oweh blossom.

"I think we just created an environment for him where he played with a lot of confidence," Minter said. "We simplified some things that we were asking him to do. We allowed him, at times, to have a little more freedom as a pass rusher."

Oweh may never reach free agency if the Chargers re-sign him, and he's also being mentioned as a potential candidate to be placed under the franchise tag.

However, no matter who the Ravens pursue, Baltimore's pass rush will have a different look under Minter, including some new personnel. Several key members of the front seven are set to become free agents, including Kyle Van Noy, Dre'Mont Jones, and David Ojabo. The Ravens may acquire a new pass rusher or two via free agency or trade, and they've had past success signing veterans like Van Noy, Jadeveon Clowney, and Justin Houston.

Meanwhile, the Ravens will have a keen eye on edge rushers at next week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Pass rushers who have been linked to Baltimore in recent mock drafts include Keldric Faulk of Auburn, Cashius Howell of Texas A&M, and Akheem Mesidor of Miami. This year's class is loaded with intriguing edge rushers, which works to the advantage of the Ravens, who hold the No. 14 overall pick.

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/pass-rush-ravens-improve-how-draft-travis-jones-jesse-minter-scheme-anthony-weaver

[oldno82]

I have confidence that Minter will be able to improve the pass rush, either through better coaching, scheming, or better personnel. I look at what he did with Oweh as an example of that.