2015 Baltimore Ravens Roster Breakdown: Linebacker

Brett Foote

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw (91) and Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) in the fourth quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker, much like defensive line, was a position of obvious strength for the Baltimore Ravens in 2014. It projects to be much of the same in 2015, though there are some concerns heading forward.

The Ravens didn’t do much in the draft to shore up the position, even though their outstanding outside linebacker duo of Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs are heading into the twilight of their respective careers.

Not to say that the two are going to suddenly fall off a cliff this season. Last year saw a big bounceback from the dynamic duo, one that is obviously at least partially a product of strong defensive line play.

With Brandon Williams hogging up blockers in the middle, Suggs and Dumervil were free to tee off on quarterbacks all year long.

Even with Haloti Ngata in Detroit, I expect this year to be much of the same. And the Ravens figure to be even better on the inside, with C.J. Mosley continuing his rapid ascension to stardom.

With those lofty expectations in mind, let’s take a deeper look at the current state of the 2015 Baltimore Ravens roster at the linebacker position and make some early predictions.

Next: Outside Linebackers

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Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) celebrates with linebacker Daryl Smith (51) after an interception during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Outside Linebacker

Starters: Elvis Dumervil, Terrell Suggs

Backups: Courtney Upshaw, Darius Allen, Brennen Beyer, Za’Darius Smith

The Ravens are obviously confident in the ability of Dumervil and Suggs to continue their strong play in 2015, and why not? The two didn’t look any worse for wear last season as they dominated opposing offensive lines all season, racking up a combined 29 sacks and 98 tackles.

The loss of Pernell McPhee stings a little, but the Ravens are going to give edge setter Courtney Upshaw a shot at taking his place. It seems like a stretch since Upshaw only has three career sacks, but he has never been utilized in that role in his tenure with the Ravens. He also showed decent pass rushing prowess in college.

Behind those three are a group of unknowns. Smith was an outside ‘backer in college, but he will likely take over Upshaw’s role as a two down edge setter in 2015. He needs time to develop anyway, so he figures to play a rotational role no matter where he lines up.

Allen and Beyer are both undrafted free agents who are wildcards for the final roster. Both were productive in college. Allen recorded 34.5 sacks across 43 games, along with nine forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries, while Beyer racked up 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss across 49 games.

Next: Inside Linebackers

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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

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Early Predictions for 2015

Nothing is going to change in regards to the core of the Ravens’ linebacking corps: Dumvervil, Suggs, Smith, and Mosley are the starters, without question. Za’Darius Smith and Courtney Upshaw are the other roster locks.

The Ravens carried ten linebackers into last season on the active roster. If that trend holds true in 2015, that leaves four slots for the other seven players to fight for.

The big question here is, will any of the undrafted rookies unseat Orr or McClellan for a reserve spot? Orr only ranked as the 1,060th best special teams player out of 1,202 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus’ rantings last season. McClellan was 29th.

The other big question is, will the Ravens trade Arthur Brown? My gut tells me no. I think Ozzie will give him one more year. Heck, they’re even giving Matt Elam one more chance.

So in the end, I think the final ten will look like this: Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Daryl Smith, C.J. Mosley, Arthur Brown, Albert McClellan, Za’Darius Smith, Courtney Upshaw, Trey DePriest, and (maybe) Darius Allen.

Next: Ravens roster breakdown: safety

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Brett Foote