The Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line remains a major position of need heading into the 2022 season, but there are still plenty of ways they can improve the unit this offseason.
The team reportedly has its fingers crossed that Calais Campbell will come back for at least one more season, but even if he does, the D-line isn’t getting any younger.
Campbell and fellow defensive end Derek Wolfe are both on the wrong side of 30, and Wolfe is recovering from a serious injury. Behind them, Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington offer more upside and promise, but neither have proven reliable in the trenches.
At this stage, the Ravens could still pick a few quality linemen in free agency, though it seems likely that if they were to sign anybody at the position, they would re-sign Campbell.
As for the 2022 draft, the Ravens haven’t selected a defensive lineman before the third round since 2014, but there’s always a first for everything.
If the team brings back Campbell this offseason, the players on this list can be considered Campbell’s potential heirs; if Campbell moves on, these players will be expected to make an immediate impact in 2022.
Here are three younger starting-caliber replacements for Calais Campbell for the upcoming season.