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2018 Baltimore Ravens: Assessing the edge rushing depth chart

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

The Baltimore Ravens neglected to make any significant additions to the edge rushing depth chart during the 2018 off-season. Where does it stand going into training camp?

The Baltimore Ravens pass rush in recent years has been, let’s say mediocre. While the team is certainly better than average, it also leaves much to be desired. The team hasn’t finished in the top ten in sacks since 2014, when the team registered 49 take downs. Leading the charge way back then was Elvis Dumervil (17.0) and Terrell Suggs (12.0). Dumervil has since departed Baltimore and Suggs is now as old as dirt in football years.

Last season, the Ravens came in at 11th with 41.0 sacks, with Suggs once again leading the way (11.0).  Now entering 2018, Suggs joins a band of misfits tasked with carrying the Ravens pass rush. Most of the talent is unproven, but the potential is certainly enticing.

The upside that a guy like Tim Williams brings to the table is salivating to the mouth of defensive coordinators, while the flashes we’ve seen from Matt Judon is very noteworthy. Then you have a jack-of-all-trades in Tyus Bowser and a savvy veteran in Za’Darius Smith. These five guys could form a dynamic edge rushing core, or could burn out and be a massive disappointment.

Today, we will simply take a look at what each of these individuals brings to the table in 2018. Starting of course with…

Terrell Suggs:

The future Hall of Famer is the undisputed leader on the Ravens defense. Suggs brings the edge (no pun intended) that keeps the Ravens defense as one of the most feared units throughout the league. It’s his attitude and talent that makes the Ravens pass rush respectable.

Related Story: Terrell Suggs: How far can he climb up the all-time sacks list?

Despite tearing his Achilles tendon for the second time in his 15-year career (entering his 16th season) back in 2015, Suggs has accumulated 19.0 sacks over the last two seasons. Even at the ripe old-age of 35 (turns 36 October 11th), T-Sizzle is a consistent threat off the edge. Will that change in 2018?

Maybe, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Suggs is likely going to be put into more of a rotational role, as guys like Judon and Bowser are younger options who bring more to the table as more complete edge linebackers. With that being said, neither are the pass rusher that Suggs is off the edge.

Suggs still seems like a safe bet for double-digit sacks, but eight seems like the floor for the vet. Anywhere between eight-to-thirteen sacks seems more than reasonable for Suggs in 2018.

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