State of the Baltimore Ravens: Ranking AFC North teams entering the 2019 offseason - Scott Patsko
BUILDING BLOCKS
This list starts with Jackson, who gave defenses fits by rushing for 695 yards and five touchdowns.
The Ravens didn’t have anybody in the top 25 in rushing yards in 2018, but collectively were second in the NFL in rushing yards (2,441). And four of the five offensive linemen that did the blocking for those yards were in their first, second or third year in the NFL, and remain under contract.
The Ravens’ defense was also dominant in 2018, led by linebackers C.J Mosley and Terrell Suggs, defensive lineman Brandon Williams and safety Eric Weddle, all Pro Bowlers.
However, the Ravens will have to spend some money to retain some of those building blocks.
Add Ronnie Stanley, Marlon Humphrey, Matt Judon and Orlando Brown to the list of building blocks. Many analysts believe rosters need between six and ten blue chip talents to field a championship contender.
2019 NFL Draft Guide - Danny Kelly
20. Hakeem Butler
Wide Receiver, Iowa State, redshirt junior
Combines the catch radius of a condor with the speed to take the top off a defense; makes hay after the catch.
SHADES OF: Sidney Rice with afterburners, Martavis Bryant
27. Dalton Risner
Guard, Kansas State, senior
Barrel-chested blocker who plays with remarkable consistency; offers positional versatility at the next level.
SHADES OF: Joel Bitonio
Dalton Risner was an elite pass protector while playing right tackle at K-State. Heavy hands and a nasty disposition are his best attributes.
Four Ravens Undergo Offseason Surgery, But All Expect to Be Healthy for Camp - Clifton Brown
Head Coach John Harbaugh said left guard Alex Lewis (shoulder), starting safety Tony Jefferson (arthroscopic ankle), nickel cornerback Tavon Young (sports hernia) and outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (sports hernia) all went under the knife.
Harbaugh said the recovery time for those injuries was four-to-six weeks, except for Lewis, whose recovery will take longer. However, Lewis is expected to be ready for training camp.
Tavon Young will go into a contract season two years removed from ACL surgery.
Harbaugh expects ‘better’ Lamar Jackson in 2019 - Kevin Patra
“Yes, I do know what his plans are,” Harbaugh said when asked if the signal-caller is planning to work with a QB guru in the offseason. “I think we’re still formulating those and we don’t do it, he does it. It’s his responsibility to do it, per rules, and that’s the way it should be. Of course, we have thoughts on it and advice and whatnot. He’s gonna work at it. He’s going to work at it really hard. Who he works with, where he works with, I’ll leave that to him to answer if he wants to answer. I’m quite sure that he’ll be working at it really hard and he already is.”
“Throughout the course of the offseason he’s gonna throw the ball a lot. He’s gonna have his receivers and throw to them, he’s already told me that. All those other things, he should come back, I expect him to come back a better quarterback, skill-wise, then he was when he left and he’s determined to do that.”
This offseason, Jackson will focus on his pocket presence, footwork, ability to read defenses, and downfield throws.
By all accounts, Lamar Jackson has a strong work ethic. If he can find more passing consistency through practice, he will possess a skillset capable of carrying the offense.
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