Baltimore Ravens Roster Spotlight: The Defensive Line
Baltimore Ravens: Defensive Line Talk
The Baltimore Ravens defense is loaded with talent. This is especially true on the defensive line. The Ravens have talent, depth and youth in the trenches. The defensive line could be a real strength for the purple and black.
Brandon Williams is one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in football. The 2013 3rd round pick, has become a force in the middle of the defense. Williams is a player whose impact goes way beyond statistics. He is a space eating nose tackle that makes the inside running game a challenge. While Williams is not a pass rusher, he’ll push the pocket back.
Related Story: Why Brandon Williams Rocks
The Ravens are hoping to see a breakout year from Timmy Jernigan. The Florida State defensive end, is entering his third season. He has had eight career sacks. With flashes of talent that cannot be ignored, Jernigan is full of potential. Jernigan is explosive off the line. There are times when he is an unstoppable force. The Ravens need to get the unstoppable Jernigan consistently. If they do, the Ravens’ opponents will be collectively doomed.
Lawrence Guy has been one of the Ravens most reliable players. The problem with Guy is that he does not wow you. He’s a player that plugs into the five technique and plays solid football. He is also a player that may have a hard time reclaiming a prominent role in the defense.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
The Ravens added a lot of talent in the past two seasons. Last year the Ravens drafted Carl Davis, a monstrously big defensive tackle from Iowa. Brent Urban is another guy who needs to see time on the field.The Ravens also added Willie Henry to the mix this season. Matt Judon and Bronson Kaufusi count as outside linebackers, but as edge defenders they could see some defensive end snaps (especially in even fronts).
Williams and Jernigan are clearly starters on the Ravens 3-4 defensive line. The question becomes, who is the other defensive end? The answer will be whoever is the most explosive player. Brent Urban is a run stopper. In short yardage situations, Urban is the guy you want on the field. Like Jernigan, Davis shows flashes of being a dominant player. But Davis only had 11 tackles last season.
If Willie Henry can be as dependable as Guy, he may steal a starting job. Henry is as explosive as Jernigan. He is a penetrating defensive lineman. Henry has to develop his game a bit. He needs to work on being more of a space eater. The Ravens like to fill the gaps with big defensive lineman. But Henry’s explosive ability could get him on the field.
Next: The Justin Tucker Contract: 3 Big Things
On a side note, the Ravens also have Kappron Lewis-Moore. But I think he’s the low man on the Ravens defensive line totem pole. Lewis-Moore had just three tackles last season. There you have it, a look at the Ravens defensive line. It should be an exciting season upfront for the Ravens.