Baltimore Ravens should sign free agent running back Jay Ajayi

The Baltimore Ravens should secure their running back situation by signing Jay Ajayi.

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most run-heavy teams in the entire NFL. According to teamrankings.com, the Ravens threw the ball on only 52.26% of the time, the third-lowest percentage in the entire NFL.

With mobile quarterback Lamar Jackson under center, the Ravens are a run-first team and showed a unique rushing attack down the stretch last season. With Jackson as a consistent threat to run, the Ravens used consistent misdirection and quick-hitting power runs to chew up yardage and methodically pick up first downs.

This worked well for the team down for a while, but when push came to shove, the Ravens’ offense sputtered and could not take them to the promised land. That being said, if Jackson can improve as a passer, a run-first attack could work for this team.

The Ravens signed running back Mark Ingram to a free agent contract earlier this off season. Ingram will likely take over as the lead back, while guys like Gus Edwards, Kenneth Dixon and rookie Justice Hill provide quality depth. On the surface, the Ravens may seem set at the running back position, but I would like to see them bulk up the position just a bit more.

In particular, Jay Ajayi stands out as a great late free agency flyer for the Baltimore Ravens.

Ajayi is an immensely talented running back who has had a successful NFL career. He is an impressive downhill runner who hits the hole quickly and finishes with good power at the point of attack.

Ajayi did suffer a torn ACL late last season and may not be ready for the start of the season. Ajayi has had knee issues in the past and may not ever be as productive as he once was. However, if the price is right, he is a player worth taking a shot on.

If Ajayi can come back from the knee injury successfully, he would undoubtedly be a strong fit for the Ravens’ offense. He is a downhill runner who can pick up the tough yardage on the inside. Ajayi would likely have success in the Ravens’ offense and would undoubtedly be a nice back to have on the roster in case of injuries.

The Baltimore Ravens are a run-first offense who need real depth at the running back position. Whether Ajayi would be ready for the start of the season or not, the Ravens would be wise to add him to the mix. With as much emphasis as they put on the running game, the Ravens simply cannot have too much quality depth at running back.