Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens are going through a youth movement

By Chris Schisler

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Alex Lewis (72) against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Alex Lewis (72) against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens are going through a bit of a youth movement. A team filled with veteran leadership is restocking for the future.

The Baltimore Ravens are making a concerted effort to get younger. You can see this across the offense and the defense. The Ravens still have a good bit if veteran leadership. Terrell Suggs is a potential Hall of Fame player. Joe Flacco is going into his tenth season. Marshall Yanda and Eric Weddle have seen all the NFL has to offer. Around this veteran leadership is a group of young guys.

Take the offensive line for example. Ronnie Stanley and Alex Lewis are heading into their second seasons. Nico Siragusa and Jermaine Eluemunor are rookies. James Hurst, John Urschel and Ryan Jensen are not that seasoned either. The left tackle position is one of the key pieces of any franchise, Stanley fills that need for the foreseeable future. That’s a big deal.

At wide receiver Mike Wallace is the only truly known commodity. Breshad Perriman has just 33 career catches. Michael Campanaro could be a potential stud as a slot receiver but he is injury prone. Behind that Keenan Reynolds will get a chance to step up.

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The Ravens chose three players for their front 7 in the 2017 NFL Draft. Chris Wormley joins a defensive line where Brandon Williams (who was drafted in 2013) is the oldest player. Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams are both linebackers that could make a huge impact. Add Matt Judon to the list and you have a deep and youthful outside linebacker group.

The secondary also got some fresh new help. Marlon Humphrey should be a starting cornerback for a long time. The Ravens added Tavon Young to the fold last year. Young impressed in his rookie season. Tony Jefferson may not be new to the NFL, but he surely isn’t old.

The Bottom Line

Next: Ravens roster spotlight: A look at the running back position

At just about every positional group, the Ravens have gotten deeper. Most of this new found depth comes from young guns, ready to take aim at the NFL. The payoff for this youth movement may not come in 2017. The Ravens are shaping their future. That’s exciting.

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