The Baltimore Ravens chose to avoid drafting a running back in the NFL draft. Were they smart in doing so?
It was speculated by many fans that the Ravens would select a running back in the 2018 NFL draft. Well, they didn’t, and only added one undrafted free agent running back in Gus Edwards out of Rutgers. The Ravens released Danny Woodhead this offseason, which then led to his retirement. That leaves Baltimore with five total running backs: Alex Collins, Kenneth Dixon, Buck Allen, John Crockett, and Edwards.
Now, was the team wise to ignore the position during the draft? Yes, they were. Alex Collins showed a lot of promise as a lead back last year. Kenneth Dixon has had some issues in the past year, but he was just as good if not better in 2016 than Collins was last year. Buck Allen is a do-it-all type of back and is a valuable guy in the backfield.
One thing that led to the team’s success in the running game was the addition of Greg Roman. The unheralded “run-game coordinator” implemented more zone blocking schemes, and it proved productive. Despite the Ravens being hampered by injuries to both guard positions, they ranked 11th in both rushing yards and yards per carry. Hopefully, with a fully healthy line, the team can be even better.
The addition of Orlando Brown Jr. should help immensely, as I expect him to start immediately at right tackle. Brown Jr. was probably the best run blocking tackle in this year’s draft and will fit well in Roman’s scheme.
There is a chance Baltimore adds a running back before the season starts. Eric DeCosta claimed that the team will have “chances” between now and when the season starts to add to the position. One name that flashes is Adrian Peterson. Peterson is a free agent but showed plenty of promise last year for the Cardinals before getting injured. Baltimore was one of the teams that attempted to acquire him through trade with the Vikings. Obviously, there was interest and still could be, so we will see.
Running backs are essential in today’s game, but I think what is more important is the scheme. Guys like Greg Roman and Gary Kubiak can take a below average offensive line, and undrafted running backs, and made them into a fierce rushing attack. We saw Kubiak do this in 2014 with the Ravens, and Greg Roman just last year. With Roman helping in the run game, I feel the Ravens will be great with the group they have now.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: 5 takeaways from the 2018 NFL Draft
The Bottom Line:
Baltimore currently has an intriguing variety of talent at the running back position. Alex Collins brings the finesse, Kenneth Dixon brings the power, and Buck Allen brings the versatility. The best thing: they are all young, and all on their rookie contracts. Talented, young backs that are inexpensive prove very valuable, and the Ravens are lucky to have three really good ones.