Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Haloti Ngata (92) knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Haloti Ngata: 546 snaps in 2014, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, 7 passes defensed
It was a mild surprise that the Ravens pulled the trigger and traded franchise legend Haloti Ngata to the Detroit Lions, but not a shock by any means. After serving a four game PED suspension to end the 2014 regular season, Ngata refused to budge on his contract terms and forced the cap strapped Ravens to take action.
Ngata had a bit of a comeback year in 2014 after slumping in 2013 while manning the nose, so we can’t say that he departure isn’t a loss. He was a force along this defensive front, creating disruption on virtually every snap.
Who might replace his production?
With Brandon Williams locked in at nose tackle, rising sophomore Timmy Jernigan is the most obvious candidate following his promising rookie season. Jernigan’s quick transition to the NFL has him looking like a future star if he stays healthy.
Related: Timmy Jernigan, Ravens Secret Superstar
The Ravens also drafted a very talented player in Carl Davis who should immediately work his way into the rotation. The Ravens love to rotate their defensive linemen to keep them fresh, so expect much of the same in 2015 even with the personnel changes.
Next: Darian Stewart
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