Baltimore Ravens 2014 Season Preview and Predictions
By Brett Foote
Nov 28, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Arthur Jones (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (77) exchange words during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Key Losses
FB Vonta Leach (free agent), WR Brandon Stokley (free agent), TE Ed Dickson (to Panthers), TE Dallas Clark (retired), T Michael Oher (to Titans), DE Arthur Jones (to Colts), LB Jameel McClain (to Giants), LB Rolando McClain (to Cowboys), CB Corey Graham (to Bills), SS James Ihedigbo (to Lions)
Arthur Jones is perhaps the biggest loss on the list. In 2013, Jones compiled 52 tackles and 4.0 sacks for the Ravens, earning him a $33 million dollar deal as a free agent with the Colts. Jones is solid against both the run and the pass, and he has the ability to push the pocket and plug running lanes.
Dixon was a rare draft flop by the Ravens who failed to seize the opportunity presented to him last season when Dennis Pitta went down. He was a liability as a blocker and in the passing game. Stokley and Clark are both former teammates and key beneficiaries of Peyton Manning, but both reached the end of their respective careers even before signing with the Ravens.
Michael Oher might be the biggest draft bust in Ozzie Newsome’s career. He graded out as a bottom ten tackle last season, and failed to produce at the left or right tackle spot throughout his career, committing endless penalties. Rolando McClain never played a snap for the Ravens and has already retired three times in his young career.
Jameel McClain started ten games for the Ravens last season but is only an average talent whose production is best replaced by a player with more upside. Ihedigbo proved to be a liability in pass coverage, but did post career numbers last season with 101 tackles and 3 interceptions. Those interceptions were the first of his seven year career, however.
Corey Graham was a versatile nickel back corner and solid special teamer with the Ravens, and was a solid contributor the last two seasons. He graded out as a top 15 slot corner in 2013 while racking up 74 tackles, one sack, and four interceptions. His presence will be missed in what is a thin secondary, but the Ravens didn’t want to enter the bidding war that ultimately saw Graham rewarded with a $16 million dollar contract.
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