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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 – OCTOBER 15: Defensive End Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a turnover in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 15: Defensive End Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a turnover in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Za’Darius Smith:

Za’Darius Smith went from rookie stud to forgotten man faster than Jacoby Jones screaming down the sidelines in Denver. What happened?

Unfortunately, not everyone can follow-up a promising rookie season with an equally, if not greater, sophomore campaign. This was exactly the case for Smith. Has that made him a bust then? Not in the least bit.

While Smith may be quiet on the stat sheet, he is certainly an integral part of this defense. Smith has become a dirty work kind of player. No guts, no glory. That’s Smith’s mantra. With that in mind, what’s a fair expectation?

Three-to-five sacks is more than manageable. But, in a contract season, we could see Smith come out in a big way. The Ravens have seen plenty of their players have big contract seasons and go on to get paid later in the off-season. Smith could be in line for that kind of year, and we could see him nab 6+ sacks in a rotational role.

If that Ravens get that lucky, Smith could be the biggest boon the defense could ask for.

Tim Williams:

All the potential in the world, but can he put it together?

Tim Williams was a complete non-factor in 2017. The former Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher had just six tackles throughout his entire rookie year. For being a third round pick with tons of hype, this was certainly a huge disappointment.

With so many pundits, including yours truly, expecting Williams to thrive in Baltimore’s defense year one probably wasn’t fair. After all, Williams was a very raw prospect coming out of Alabama. Expecting Williams to come in and get 8+ sacks was ludicrous on all of our parts.

Next: 2018 Baltimore Ravens: 5 potential X-factors

Going into 2018, expectations should be tampered. Williams is likely at the bottom of the depth chart to start the season. If Williams can flash his potential, that could change. Until then, we shouldn’t expect more than a handful of tackles and a couple sacks.

Honestly? Three-to-five sacks out of your fifth edge rusher is pretty good, no matter who you ask.

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