Ebony Bird
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Lock and reload: 2021 Baltimore Ravens defensive wish list 1.0

By Ronald Toothe

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Inside linebacker Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after returning a fumble for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Inside linebacker Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after returning a fumble for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND – AUGUST 18: Defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Baltimore Ravens trains during the Baltimore Ravens Training Camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 18, 2020, in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND – AUGUST 18: Defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Baltimore Ravens trains during the Baltimore Ravens Training Camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 18, 2020, in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Defensive line: Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams, Derek Wolfe, Jihad Ward, Justin Madubuike, Naquan Jones

No big surprises here, as the discussion of the Ravens working on an extension for Derek Wolfe was one of the first rumors heading into the offseason. Wolfe had an incredibly solid first year in purple, and a desire to stay in town likely means he’d be willing to take a team-friendly deal to accomplish that. No brainer.

Jihad Ward is somebody who could definitely command some money on the free-agent market after a nice season of stifling opponents in the run game, but the Ravens would be smart to get something worked out with him as well. Less likely than Wolfe, but still very possible.

Keeping the core of this unit together is essential in making sure we don’t have another Derrick Henry problem during the 2021 season, especially after seeing how successful the likes of Campbell, Williams and company were in bottling him up in the Wild Card round. With top level backs like Nick Chubb, Dalvin Cook, Aaron Jones (potentially), Josh Jacobs, and more on the docket for next season, the level of the overall success of this unit will almost surely hinge on the play upfront.

Naquan Jones, out of Michigan State, is somebody the Ravens should definitely consider with one of their mid-round picks. An incredibly strong young man and a certified gap filler, Jones has also powered through tough adversity in his personal life to be where he is today. Not only would he provide instant depth on the interior line, but Calais and B-Will aren’t getting any younger. Continuing to incorporate younger options as they did with Madubuike last year will only make that eventual transition easier.

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