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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 3: Outside Linebacker Matt Judon
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Outside Linebacker Matt Judon /

Matt Judon:

The 2017 breakout was hopefully just the beginning for Matt Judon’s career in Charm City. After accumulating a solid four sacks as a rookie in 2016, Judon doubled his production in 2017 while becoming a regular starter for the team. Now going into 2018, Judon will be asked once again to step up his game.

Judon played in all 16 games in 2017, starting 12 of them. His eight sacks was good enough for second on the team, behind Suggs of course. Now going into his third season, can we presume another step forward?

I don’t see why not.

Judon has looked more than capable of being a consistent starter opposite Suggs. Is he flashy? No. Is he a Pro Bowler? Not yet. Can he repeat his 2017 production? Absolutely.

Eight sacks is the bar Judon has set for himself. Double-digit sacks is definitely not out of the question for him, however. With Suggs becoming another year older, Judon has an opportunity to step into the limelight and become a household name off the edge.

Must Read: C.J. Mosley: What's a fair contract for the Pro Bowl Linebacker?

Tyus Bowser:

Depending on who you ask, you’ll get different answers for how they felt about Tyus Bowser’s rookie season. Some will tell you he looked solid in a part-time role, while others will say they were disappointed with his lack of impact as a second round pick. I find I’m somewhere right in the middle.

While Bowser may have only had 11 tackles in 2017, he did record three sacks and an interception. Let’s not forget Bowser also took home Pepsi Rookie of the Week during a week two victory over the Browns. Bowser recorded his first career sack and interception in that game. Bowser has certainly shown some great ability as a do-it-all edge linebacker.

But focusing strictly on rushing the passer, what can we expect from Bowser? His rookie stat sheet should be the bare minimum. Three sacks is more than fair to ask of the second-year pro. But we should be able to ask for more.

Even if Bowser isn’t a 16 game starter, stepping up his production is a must. Baltimore has missed badly on their second round picks as of late, and Bowser should feel the heat to improve. Therefore, five-to-seven sacks seems fair to ask.

Bowser doesn’t need to lead the team in sacks, but he must capitalize on any opportunities he finds himself in. More than anything, Bowser simply needs to be a play-maker in 2018.

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