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Baltimore Ravens: Top 3 inside linebacker options this offseason

By Norman Getsinger

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Josh Bynes #57 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after sacking Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills (not pictured) during the first half in the game at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Josh Bynes #57 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after sacking Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills (not pictured) during the first half in the game at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens is pushed out of bounds by middle linebacker Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens is pushed out of bounds by middle linebacker Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Option number 3: Acquire Joe Schobert during free agency.

A name that is popular among Ravens fans in free agency is Cory Littleton. If the Ravens do manage to land Cory Littleton I would be thrilled, however, about half the teams in the NFL are also clamoring for Littleton. If there is one thing the Ravens don’t do it is to get into a bidding war for players. That is why Joe Schobert is the next best thing. Schobert brings a similar skill set as his stats are very similar to Littleton’s.

Though Littleton has more athleticism than Schobert, Schobert is a very smart player with good instincts for the position. He covers well, is a solid tackler and is a leader. In other words, he will fit right in if the Ravens do decide to sign him in free agency. There are some concerns with Schobert though, namely, run defense. According to pro football focus, Schobert was the 48th ranked inside linebacker, but he would have been higher on the list if his run defense was not graded out as poor as it was. If he is signed by Baltimore, he will need to clean up his run defense and get a little more physical with opposing players.

One huge benefit to signing Joe Schobert would be his inside scoop of the Browns. With the Browns changing coaches again it may not seem like Cleveland is the place to be for the foreseeable future.

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Signing Joe Schobert would fill a hole on the defense, add even more coverage ability to a Ravens team that has coverage players everywhere, and provide the Raven’s knowledge on an in-division rival. For the right price, the Ravens should absolutely consider bringing in Joe Schobert.

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