Baltimore Ravens: Defensive line projection (if they land Gerald McCoy)

If the Ravens sign Gerald McCoy, will they have an odd man out?

The Baltimore Ravens defensive line would be loaded with some pretty serious star power if they lured Gerald McCoy to sign with them. McCoy would join Michael Pierce and Brandon Williams as the big three of the defensive line. The Ravens are already fairly comfortable with their defensive line depth. There would have to be an odd man out from this potential signing.

Let’s start off by looking at the players that should be locks for the roster (again this is in the hypothetical where the Ravens sign McCoy). The Ravens drafted Daylon Mack in the fifth round. They’re going to give him a chance to develop. Some teams take fliers on defensive linemen at this point in the draft but the Ravens draft players they believe in.

Chris Wormley is a player that could be on the brink of a breakout season. One way or another he isn’t getting cut. Willie Henry is solid, still with a ton of potential. Henry could be a younger version of McCoy. He’s a penetrating defensive lineman who has a powerful amount of burst. That’s something the Ravens will always covet. Put him on the roster as well.

This puts the Ravens at six defensive linemen not counting Pat Ricard, who will surely make the team primarily as a fullback. The defensive line group is starting to fill up. If the Ravens are only going to keep 7 defensive linemen (plus Ricard) Zach Sieler or Gerald Willis will be in competition for the Ravens final roster spot.

Zach Sieler was Ozzie Newsome’s last draft pick, however that won’t really factor into the decision making process. Sieler has a one year edge on Willis but he only has one tackle on his resume. This means Willis comes into this roster battle on an even footing. Sieler is listed as a 6’6″ 290 pound defensive lineman. His length is a real advantage for him.

If I was making the decision, I would keep the who group of defensive linemen. Eight defensive lineman plus a two way player in Ricard is a functional number on the defensive line. Gerald Willis is coming off a season at Miami where he had 18 tackles for a loss and four sacks. If I had to make a choice between Sieler and Willis,I’d give Willis the nod.

Willis is an undrafted free agent who seemed to be ignored in the NFL Draft. I had a third or a fourth round grade on him. Sticking with my evaluation, I have to project him making the team. The Ravens could keep this entire grouping on the 53 man roster. It’s very possible that they will.