Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams is likely on his way out after 2021, and the team should be looking for a suitable replacement in the defensive line.
The Ravens’ defensive front has been solid this year, ranking second in the league in run defense. But the defensive line is only getting older, and future years may not spell so much success for a unit that’s clearly past its prime.
The 35-year-old Calais Campbell, 31-year-old Justin Ellis, and 32-year-old Brandon Williams have all served as stalwarts in the defense, but all three are set to become free agents in 2022.
Of them all, the Ravens should consider replacing Williams the most.
Williams is in his ninth season in Baltimore, and while he remains an admirable team leader, his numbers have regressed significantly.
Brandon Williams has fallen off a cliff this season and been a major liability for the #Ravens.
— Ebony Bird (@Ebony_Bird) October 28, 2021
30.8 PFF run defense grade ranks 123rd out of 126 interior defensive linemen.
0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 QB hits in 6 games.
Cap hit of nearly $13 million.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski recently released an article detailing one player on each team that must be replaced at the end of the season. And for the Ravens, Sobleski listed Williams.
"“Williams hasn’t exactly lived up to his hefty financial status. Firstly, he’s never been a full-time player as a massive interior defender. Secondly, the veteran defensive tackle never developed as expected when the Ravens wanted him to play alongside Michael Pierce and become a more disruptive force. Thirdly, Williams hasn’t played a full 16-game slate since 2018. Finally, the nose tackle is now 32 and less of a factor at the point of attack as part of Baltimore’s run defense.”"
The Ravens should be thinking ahead to replace Brandon Williams
In nine games played, Williams has recorded 26 total tackles, the second-lowest of his career (his lowest was six in his rookie year). He’s failed to notch a single quarterback hit or sack and has two passes defended.
Currently, Williams has one of the worst contracts on the team, and Baltimore desperately needs all the cap space they can get next season.
The Ravens could find someone to replace Williams in the 2022 NFL Draft, but even then, the Ravens have more pressing issues to fix in the offensive line.
If Georgia’s Jordan Davis falls to Baltimore, he would be an ideal replacement for Williams, and he could have Campbell and Justin Houston alongside him to help teach him the ropes.
For nearly a decade, Williams has served Ravens well as a stout defensive lineman, but his time in Baltimore seems to be up. The Ravens need to start preparing for their future, and sadly, it’s one doesn’t include Brandon Williams.