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2018 Baltimore Ravens: Who will lead the team in sacks?

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Tyus Bowser:

Depending on who you ask, you’ll find various opinions on Tyus Bowser’s debut season with the Ravens. Some will tell you he severely underwhelmed as a second round pick, while others would tell you he flashed brilliance and could be something special. For 2018, we’re betting on Bowser to take a step forward in his development and production.

The Ravens 2018 defense looks really good on paper, so it makes sense that depth chart guys like Tyus Bowser would be able to find themselves into successful roles, even without starting games regularly. Thankfully with everything Bowser brings to the table, he could see plenty of starting time because of his prowess in coverage. Plus, if the Ravens opt to move Bowser into more of a part-time role, Bowser makes the most logical sense to take up a larger role with the defense.

2018 will be a major try-out season for Bowser regarding his future in Baltimore. No, not whether or not he stays, but rather how much time he will earn going forward. 2018 should be a positive step in the right direction, but don’t expect Defensive Player of the Year numbers.

High: 7.0/Low: 3.0/Prediction: 5.5

Tim Williams:

A classic boom-or-bust pick, Tim Williams was a virtual non-factor in 2017. With just six tackles to his name thus far, it’s fair to say Williams didn’t live up to his rookie season hype. All that could change in 2018, however.

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Williams was classified as a one-trick pony coming out of Alabama, that “one-trick” being pass rushing. Thankfully, the Ravens don’t need Williams to do anything except rush the passer and get sacks at this point in his career. Therefore, Baltimore should simply release the floodgates and let Williams wreck opposing offensive lines.

There’s a legitimate argument that Williams could lead the Ravens in sacks. Similar to Elvis Dumervil in 2014, Williams could simply be a sacks guy without many impact plays otherwise. This is something the Ravens defense could really use: a relentless pass rushing specialist. Williams could prove dividends in 2018 if he can find his way onto the field and tap into his potential.

High: 9.0/Low: 2.0/Prediction: 5.5

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