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The Baltimore Ravens need to focus on the trenches this offseason

By Andrew Kim

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Anthony Averett #23 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Chuck Clark #36, Chris Westry #30, and Marlon Humphrey #44 after catching an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during overtime at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Anthony Averett #23 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Chuck Clark #36, Chris Westry #30, and Marlon Humphrey #44 after catching an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during overtime at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Defensive Back

The Marcus Peters injury had the most effect on the defense in the worst way. Adding the Marlon Humphrey injury later on in the season just adds insult injury, literally. Not having your two starting cornerbacks for most of the season is a tough circumstance many teams can’t overcome.

Anthony Averett, a pending free agent, had his ups and downs, but overall was up for the task of covering the top receivers. Tavon Young has dealt with his own injury bug his whole career but managed to stay healthy this year as the starting nickel back. Jimmy Smith’s future is unclear with the team, as a veteran defensive back that is a pending free agent this offseason.

But either way, the Baltimore Ravens need to make sure they can handle starters to miss time potentially and to at least have competent depth this coming season. Having many defensive backs is a good problem to have and Baltimore could focus on that position early if the right player fell in their lap.

This includes safeties too, as they had to bring back veteran Tony Jefferson to start late in the season. A full-time starter at free safety is needed, with Chuck Clark starting at strong safety. But I am not sure Brandon Stephens is ready for that type of role and Deshon Elliott, after dealing with a plethora of injuries, is also a pending free agent.

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