2015 Baltimore Ravens Roster Breakdown: Linebacker
By Brett Foote
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) knocks the ball away from New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) in the second quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Inside Linebacker
Starters: C.J. Mosley, Daryl Smith
Backups: Trey DePriest, Albert McClellan, Zach Orr, Arthur Brown
Mosley, last year’s runner up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, is already one of the NFL’s best linebackers an figures to only get better. He was a tackling machine in 2014, and should show improvements this coming year in coverage.
Smith is getting up there in age as well, but hasn’t shown too many signs of slowing down. Not to say he didn’t have less than stellar moments early in 2014, but he came back strong towards the end of the season. The Ravens likely have a year or two of solid production left in the vet.
McClellan and Orr are valued special teamers, but they will again face competition in the form of undrafted rookie DePreist.
DePreist was productive at Alabama, appearing in 53 games and recording 17.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and six passes defensed as part of two National Championship teams.
Arthur Brown has thus far been a rare Ozzie Newsome bust as a former second round pick. He spent much of the year on the inactives list as he doesn’t play special teams. The Ravens might do well to garner a mid to late round draft pick and trade him this offseason.
Next: Predictions for 2015