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2018 Baltimore Ravens: 5 potential X-factors

By Chris Schisler

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Lamar Jackson of Louisville after he was picked #32 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Lamar Jackson of Louisville after he was picked #32 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 31: Willie Henry #69 of the Baltimore Ravens warming up before a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 31, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens defeated the Saints 14-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 31: Willie Henry #69 of the Baltimore Ravens warming up before a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 31, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens defeated the Saints 14-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

4. Willie Henry

Last season the Ravens defense lacked pass rush from people who weren’t outside linebackers. There is no secret that the purple and black need a more consistent and more impressive performance from the defensive line. Last season, Willie Henry showed that he has potential. He didn’t register an impact in his rookie season, so he basically came out of no where. Henry is the kind of defensive lineman that the Ravens need the most. He gets penetration into the backfield. He’s not just a space eater he can gobble up plays before they happen in the backfield.

I wrote about Henry as a potential breakout star for next season already. It shouldn’t shock you that I consider him a potential X-Factor. Here is what I have already written about how Henry fits into the defensive line:

"“When you look at the Ravens defensive line, there aren’t a lot of players like Henry. Brandon Williams, Michael Pierce and Brent Urban are run stuffing, space eating players. Henry is a player who can get penetration into the backfield and be a disruptive force.”"

Henry has a chance to be an incredible defensive lineman. When the Ravens drafted him, in the fourth round, they knew they weren’t getting a polished and finished product. Henry could be the defensive lineman on the Ravens other than Brandon Williams who develops they way the team wants. The Ravens didn’t do a lot this offseason to help the front seven, so it is roughly the same group of players on the defensive line. We’re talking about X-Factors, players whose performances could swing things.

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