7 biggest needs on the Ravens roster entering the 2022 offseason
By Justin Fried
4. Ravens roster need: Safety
DeShon Elliott is set to be a free agent this offseason, and while there’s still a chance the team brings him back, they might be better off looking elsewhere in free agency or the draft.
Elliott is a good player, but his skill set is redundant with Chuck Clark already on the roster, plus his injury history makes him hard to depend on.
The Ravens did draft Brandon Stephens in the third round of last year’s draft and he filled in admirably while Elliott was sidelined, but they might prefer him as more of a match-up defensive back rather than a true every-down starter.
Guys like Geno Stone have shown promise, but it would probably be in Baltimore’s best interest to add a new starting candidate this offseason. Preferably someone who can fill that natural free safety role.
3. Ravens roster need: Outside linebacker
A torn Achilles suffered by Tyus Bowser in the season finale likely bumps outside linebacker up a spot or two. The Ravens insist that Bowser will be ready for the start of training camp, but as they learned with players like Ronnie Stanley, Nick Boyle, etc., those early projections can’t be counted on.
Odafe Oweh is the only true sure thing at the position right now, and even his play tailed off as the season went on. Justin Houston is a pending free agent and it’s unclear if both sides are interested in a reunion.
Pernell McPhee could be set to retire, and he’s little more than a depth piece at best at this stage of his career. And the less said about Jaylon Ferguson the better.
The Ravens need to add more to this position in the offseason, and that very well might come in the draft.