The Baltimore Ravens have been linked to a fair number of players this offseason. It’s not surprising that the team has been predicted to land a few of those star players.
The Score’s Jack Browne recently compiled a list of popular free agents that he predicts where to be signed.
Featured on the list that Browne predicted will sign with the Ravens are pass rusher Justin Houston and running back Todd Gurley.
The Ravens have been connected to both players in recent weeks and months with each of them visiting with the team at some point this offseason.
Justin Houston would fit in perfectly with the Ravens.
The Ravens lost both outside linebackers Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in free agency this offseason. The loss of both veteran pass rushers has left a big hole in the front seven — one that Houston can surely help fill.
Houston, 32, has been known as a constant force on the edge since he entered the NFL in 2011. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound veteran has caused nightmares for offensive lines as both a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts.
In eight seasons with the Chiefs, Houston was selected to the Pro Bowl in four straight seasons from 2012-2015 and was named first-team All-Pro in 2015.
Houston played 102 games in which he started 96 of them. He had a combined 382 tackles with 96 of them coming for a loss. He also had 78.5 sacks, four interceptions, and one touchdown.
Most recently during his two seasons with the Colts, Houston played in 32 games in which he started all of them. Houston racked up a combined 69 tackles with 21 of them coming for a loss. He also got to the quarterback 19 times, had three forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.
Houston has been constantly connected to the Ravens this offseason. He embodies the motto of what “Play Like a Raven” means and he isn’t even on the team.
If the Ravens land the outside linebacker, it would be one of the best moves the team made this offseason.
Todd Gurley could bring veteran leadership to the Ravens backfield.
The second player Browne predicted to sign with the Ravens is veteran running back Todd Gurley.
While Gurley, 26, has not produced elite numbers since 2018, he would bring a veteran presence to the backfield for players like J.K. Dobbins who are still getting their feet wet in the NFL.
Gurley’s best days came when he was a member of the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams from 2015-2019. In those five seasons, Gurley was selected to the Pro Bowl in three seasons and made first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2018.
Gurley played in 73 games during those five years and rushed for 5,404 yards on 1,265 carries, scored 58 touchdowns, and averaged 74.0 yards per game. While his numbers have been on the decline over the last two seasons, he is no scrub.
Most recently in 2020, Gurley started 15 games with the Atlanta Falcons. In those 15 games, he rushed for 678 yards on 195 carries, found the end zone nine times, and averaged 45.2 yards per game.
Certainly not bad if the Ravens are looking for a player to handle the load behind Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
Gurley visited with the Ravens in early June but left without a contract. If the team can get Gurley at the right price, they should jump on the opportunity.
Will the Ravens sign Justin Houston and Todd Gurley as predicted?
While it remains to be seen what Baltimore will do leading toward the regular season, it is important to note that if it is talked about throughout the media, it is certainly possible that both players could end up in Charm City.
As stated, these are just predictions. But if Baltimore can scoop the two veterans at the right price, each could make a significant impact in 2021.