Baltimore Ravens: 5 Post NFL Draft Position Battles

3. Pass Rusher

The training camp position battle for the Ravens might be the most exciting on defense. The reason for this is because after Terrell Suggs, who is the face of the team, as well as the leader of the locker room, the competition for opportunities to rush opposing quarterbacks is wide open.

The Ravens released veteran Elvis Dumervil early in the offseason, and quickly addressed the pass rush in the draft. In the second round, the Ravens took Tyus Bowser out of Houston. Bowser recorded 22.5 sacks in his collegiate career, and saw action both on the edge and in the middle of the field. That experience could come in handy, as the Ravens are also looking for someone to play middle linebacker next to C.J. Mosley.

Ravens Debates: Tim Williams Vs. Tyus Bowser, who has more potential

With their second pick of the third round, the Ravens drafted Tim Williams out of Alabama. Williams tallied 20 sacks in his four-year career at Alabama, and may have been taken in the first round had it not been for some incidents off the football field. Williams, although a one-dimensional player, does his job well. Getting the quarterback is his specialty, and the Ravens have big expectations for him.

Young And Hungry

These rookies are highly touted by their peers and scouts, but they will need to earn their jobs if they want to play. The Ravens already have Matthew Judon and Za’Darius Smith on the roster, who are entering their second and third seasons, respectively. However, the duo of Smith and Judon have produced just 10.5 sacks combined. Judon racked up four last season, but he is still developing. Smith had a solid rookie season, ending the 2015 campaign with 5.5 sacks, but he fell off in 2016 and recorded just one sack.

These four young players are sure to have an intense competition in training camp. Roster spots are on the line, and whoever starts at outside linebacker for the Ravens in 2017 will be the best of this group.