The Ravens came into 2019 with some question marks. After a dud in the playoffs in 2018, Lamar Jackson needed a big “prove it” year. Well, I would assume winning the MVP proved he belongs in this league.
2019 Record: 14-2 (1st in AFC North)
Key Additions:
DE: Calais Campbell
DE: Derek Wolfe
G: D.J. Fluker
Draft Picks:
Round 1, pick 28: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Round 2, pick 55: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Round 3, pick 71: Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Round 3, pick 92: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Round 3, pick 98: Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Round 3, pick 106: Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State
Round 4, pick 143: Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan
Round 5, pick 170: Broderick Washington Jr., DT, Texas Tech
Round 6, pick 201: James Proche, WR, SMU
Round 7, pick 219: Geno Stone, S, Iowa
Season Preview
Offense:
Jackson threw for at least three touchdowns and not a single interception in the back half of the season. He had a total of 36 touchdowns along 1,206 rushing yards, breaking the single-season quarterback record. The Ravens not only have a great running game, but they also have a very talented receiving core. However, they are still a work in progress.
Marquise Brown was a favorite target of Jackson’s. He was tied for the rookie record with seven receiving touchdowns last season.
Mark Ingram took over the starting job last season and was not only a great signing on the field but in the locker room. Ingram seemed to just gel super well with the team. With the addition of Dobbins in the NFL Draft, Ingram will have that guy behind him to take the load off in a run-heavy offense.
Tight end Mark Andrews developed a strong connection with Jackson last season. Andrews’ 10 touchdowns led all tight ends and, on top of that, he would also lead the Ravens in receiving yards. Now that Hayden Hurst has been traded to the Falcons, Andrews will be asked to take on a much bigger role.
Defense:
Earl Thomas was released due to a fight with a teammate. With Thomas now gone, the Ravens now have a big hole to fill. Besides Chuck Clark, whom Thomas got into a fight with, there is not one player at safety that started more than five games with the Ravens. DeShon Elliott will be the favorite to take over Thomas’ role on defense.
Jimmy Smith was hurt Week One against the Dolphins and was out for all but nine games. He is back with the team after signing a one-year extension. Now in his eight-season with the Ravens, Smith will continue to serve as a depth player behind Marlon Humphrey.
Win Total: 10.5
I’m going over here. The Ravens are definitely a Super Bowl contender, but I’m not so certain that they will cake-walk to the AFC North title. I do have them at around 11-13 wins, but I could see a doomsday scenario where Jackson regresses a lot.