4 NFL Draft prospects the Ravens could target to replace Brandon Williams
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens will likely look to reshape quite a few position groups on the roster in the offseason. And perhaps no position group will see more turnover than the defensive line.
With a veteran-heavy defensive front, the Ravens will likely look to make some major changes in the offseason. In reality, they might not have much of a choice.
Calais Campbell is mulling retirement and there’s every chance that this is his last season. Derek Wolfe missed the entire 2021 season due to injury and the Ravens could save money by cutting ties.
But perhaps no player is more likely to depart than nose tackle Brandon Williams.
At 32-years-old (he turns 33 in February), Williams is evidently a shell of his former self. While his play has improved throughout the season, the longtime defensive stalwart has clearly seen his caliber of play diminish this season.
In 10 games this year, Williams has a Pro Football Focus grade of just 48.2 that ranks 104th out of 127 qualifiers, easily the lowest grade of his career. What’s perhaps most concerning is how far he’s fallen off as a run defender.
Williams’ PFF run-defense grade sits at a lowly 40.4 that ranks 125th out of just 140 qualified interior defensive linemen. He’s been a massive liability for the Ravens this season, and with his contract set to expire in the offseason, it’s highly unlikely the team looks to bring him back.
That means the Ravens will need to replace Williams this offseason, and one obvious place to turn is the 2022 NFL Draft.
Let’s take a look at four realistic targets to replace Brandon Williams in this year’s draft.