Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens 2015 Season Preview and Predictions

By Brett Foote

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Jul 30, 2015; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive back Kendrick Lewis (23) makes a catch during defensive drills of day one of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Key additions

S Kendrick Lewis (from Texans), CB Kyle Arrington (from Patriots), QB Matt Schaub (from Raiders).

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans free safety Kendrick Lewis (21) cannot make an interception during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Kendrick Lewis, Safety (free agency via the Texans)

The Ravens’ biggest issue in 2014 wound up being what ultimately did them in against the Patriots in the playoffs – a secondary that lacked depth and was ravaged by injuries.  Ozzie Newsome and Co. went to work in the offseason, signing Lewis, who was a 16 game starter for the Texans last season.

He was a pretty darn good one at that.  Lewis ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 39th best safety in the NFL (out of 87), racking up 84 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles.  Still young at 27 years of age, Lewis immediately took hold of the Ravens’ starting job at strong safety.

Lewis should provide an immediate and massive upgrade on former first round pick Matt Elam (I.R.) and solidify a position that was incredibly shaky last year, while also providing much needed leadership in the defensive backfield.

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marlon Brown (14) carries the ball as New England Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington (25) tackles in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Arrington, Cornerback (free agency via the New England Patriots)

The Ravens haven’t had a viable slot cornerback since Corey Graham left in free agency a couple of years back, but they finally have found their guy in Kyle Arrington.  A solid slot corner who has struggled when moved outside, Arrington gives the Ravens exactly what they need.

Arrington graded out as PFF’s 36th best cornerback in 2014, but hit free agency after he was exposed in the postseason.  Regardless, he has historically been excellent in the slot and even shut down wide receiver T.Y. Hilton in both of the Patriots’ wins over the Colts in 2014.

Arrington is a feisty cover man inside the numbers, and he represents a big upgrade for the Ravens.

Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Schaub (8) passes during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Schaub, Quarterback (free agency via the Oakland Raiders)

Schaub became a bit of a running joke as a starter for the Houston Texans before the Oakland Raiders gave him one more shot last year.  He was an unmitigated disaster and quickly lost the starting job to rookie Derek Carr, leading to his second consecutive pink slip.

The Ravens brought Schaub in to solidify their backup quarterback spot after losing Tyrod Taylor to free agency.  Despite some early struggles in camp, Schaub was decent in the preseason and remains cheap insurance for durable starter Joe Flacco.

Next: The rookies

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