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Ravens: Projecting Every Starter And The Next Man Up

By Chris Schisler

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) celebrates with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams (98) reacts after a New Orleans Saints turnover during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams (98) reacts after a New Orleans Saints turnover during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Nose Tackle:

1. Brandon Williams: This is the leader of the Ravens defensive line. Williams is an old school nose guard. You put him over the center, he blows up plays in the A gaps. The Ravens run a 3-4 base defense. With inside linebackers uncovered by defensive linemen, Williams job is vital. He has to take up space and prevent guards and centers from clogging the linebackers’ way to the football.

Williams makes an impact on the game that really is not measured in individual statistics. The nose tackle is not the sexiest or most glamorous of positions. It is a position for the strongest of the strongest. Few people fill this job more than Brandon Williams.

2. Carl Davis: Davis is entering his second season from Iowa. He, like Williams, is a heavy load for offensive linemen to deal with. Davis is a 6’5″ 320 pound defensive tackle with long arms and powerful legs. At times Davis can be incredibly explosive. In his best moments he is a freight train of destruction. If the Ravens can figure out how to get that out of him on a regular basis, he’ll be a great player.

Next: Right Defensive End

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