2015 Baltimore Ravens Roster Breakdown: Safety

Brett Foote

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

While cornerback gets a lot of attention as a position of dire need for the Ravens, safety was arguably just as weak in 2014. The play of former first round pick Matt Elam was among the worst in the NFL, and now Denver Bronco Darian Stewart’s wasn’t much better. Terrence Brooks looked promising initially but injuries prematurely ended his rookie season.

Will Hill hit the field after his suspension to start the year and immediately helped to solidify this unit, however. Jeromy Miles was solid as well, but he remains on the free agent market despite word that the Ravens are interested in resigning him.

All in all, the safety position is a fluid one for the Ravens, much like cornerback, but with only one true set-in-stone starter.

That means that this offseason will determine the future at the position, and the Ravens can only hope that the cream will rise to the top. Safety is a position that is ripe with promise and high draft status, but the results have yet to match those expectations.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the current state of the 2015 Baltimore Ravens roster at the safety position, and make some predictions for the coming season.

Next: Continue Reading

More from Ebony Bird

Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) celebrates with teammates free safety Darian Stewart (24) and cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) after returning an interception by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (not pictured) for a touchdown during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Starters: Will Hill (Strong Safety), Kendrick Lewis (Free Safety)

Perhaps no other player on the roster has more to prove, and gain, than Will Hill. Thrice suspended for violating the league’s drug policy, Hill made the best of his second (fourth?) chance with the Ravens last season, finishing the year as Pro Football Focus’ 14th ranked safety in the NFL.

I only expect Hill to get better in 2015 as he prepares for free agency in 2016. If he can keep his head on straight for another season, it could lead to a big payday.

Lewis was the Ravens big free agent signing of the offseason, and he can immediately come in and help shore up the free safety position. Lewis was a 16 game starter for the Texans in 2014, racking up 84 tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles, finishing as PFF’s 39th ranked safety.

Lewis is a big upgrade on Stewart, who played well in run support but sorely lacks coverage skills.

On paper, Hill/Lewis looks like a strong combination for the Ravens, and is a big improvement over last year’s rotating wheel of disappointment. The Lewis signing has gone very much unheralded, but will be ultimately remembered as a cheap, genius move if he plays as well as he did last season in Houston.

Next: Continue Reading

More from Ebony Bird

Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Matt Elam (26) reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Ravens won 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Backups: Matt Elam, Brynden Trawick, Terrence Brooks, Nick Perry, Anthony Levine

Elam is shaping up as one of the biggest draft busts of Ozzie Newsome’s illustrious career as GM, yet he keeps getting chances like the cat that has nine lives. This year Elam has worked hard to shed body fat and drop weight so that he can play faster. A bottom ten safety in 2014, 2015 might be Elam’s last shot before the Ravens give up on him completely.

Trawick is a 2013 undrafted free agent signing who resigned with the team as an exclusive rights free agent. He appeared in 14 games last season on special teams and that will likely continue to be his role in 2014 if he makes final cuts.

Brooks is likely headed for the reserve/PUP list to start the season after tearing multiple knee ligaments in week 16 of last season. He will miss at least six games and likely more, given the severity of his injury and the fact that it came late in the season.

Perry signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent this offseason. A starter for the Crimson Tide last season, Perry racked up 80 tackles and 6 interceptions. He has good size at 6’1″ and 211 pounds, but his status as a late bloomer hurt his draft stock.

Levine converted from safety to cornerback last season amid multiple injuries at the position, but now he is making the switch back to his natural position. The Ravens covet versatility, and Levine has proven to be a decent player thus far at both positions.

Next: Continue Reading

More from Ebony Bird

Who will stick on the final roster?

In 2014, the Ravens emerged from final cuts with six safeties, not including Will Hill (who was suspended). I don’t see them holding that many this year on the final, 53 man roster. Last season’s glut at the position meant that the team only carried four corners, which proved to be a mistake.

More from Ebony Bird

Brett Foote