The Baltimore Ravens are facing significant challenges with the restructuring of their once-formidable defense.
Departures of key personnel, including defensive mastermind Mike Macdonald, and the loss of impactful starters such as Jadeveon Clowney, Geno Stone, Patrick Queen, and Ronald Darby in free agency, have left noticeable gaps in their defensive lineup for the 2024 season.
Jadeveon Clowney, who made a considerable impact with 9.5 sacks on a budget-friendly deal with Baltimore last season, opted to sign a lucrative two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers worth up to $24 million, dealing a severe blow to the Ravens’ pass rush capabilities.
With Clowney’s departure, the Ravens find themselves relying on Odafe Oweh, who has yet to fully establish himself as a premier sack artist after three seasons, and David Ojabo, whose injury concerns cast doubts on his reliability. However, even if Oweh and Ojabo are slated as starters, the Ravens are in dire need of additional support in the pass rush department.
To address this pressing need, the Ravens must consider utilizing their remaining cap space to acquire a proven pass rusher. Not only would this move provide an immediate upgrade to their defensive lineup, but it would also allow them to focus their draft efforts on bolstering offensive tackle and wide receiver positions.
One potential target for the Ravens is Mike Danna of the Kansas City Chiefs.
With the Chiefs’ recent investments in their defensive line, including the record-setting contract for Chris Jones and consecutive first-round draft picks for defensive ends, Danna appears poised to depart. Danna, with 11.5 sacks over the last two seasons and commendable pressure rates, presents a promising option for the Ravens.
Despite his relative youth, Danna has showcased significant growth, particularly in his pass-rushing abilities, making him an attractive prospect for Baltimore.
Alternatively, the Ravens could explore the possibility of reuniting with Yannick Ngakoue, who previously played for them before a trade brought him to the Chicago Bears.
Although Ngakoue’s performance with the Bears was underwhelming compared to his previous seasons, a reunion with the Ravens could reignite his productivity, especially under the guidance of the team’s new defensive coordinator, Zach Orr. Ngakoue’s proven ability to pressure quarterbacks could offer the Ravens a cost-effective solution to replace Clowney’s production without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, as the Ravens navigate the offseason upheaval in their defensive lineup, strategic acquisitions in the pass rush department could be instrumental in maintaining their competitiveness in the upcoming season. Whether through pursuing talents like Mike Danna or considering a reunion with Yannick Ngakoue, the Ravens must act decisively to fortify their defense for the challenges ahead.
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