The Baltimore Ravens were ravaged by injuries in 2021, most notably in the defensive backfield where they were down to practice squad players at one point in the season.
When Lamar Jackson is your starting quarterback, your offense is always going to flourish. The major key for the Ravens this offseason was reinforcing their defense and making sure the occurrences of 2021 were an anomaly.
The most important thing for the Ravens was to address the secondary positions and they did just that. One of the first things they did in free agency was sign arguably the best safety available in Marcus Williams.
Williams is a player who will make an instant impact while playing in this Ravens’ defense, and a player who will bring amazing speed and athleticism to go along with his incredible ball skills that can make game-changing plays at any point.
With Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey set to return from injury and Kyle Fuller joining them as a free agent, the Ravens’ defensive backfield looks like it is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
The most exciting acquisition, however, is rookie safety Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton has All-Pro potential written all over him and the Ravens could be the perfect place for him to reach his full potential.
The Ravens’ front seven have also significantly improved
The Ravens have also agreed to bring defensive lineman Calais Campbell back. He’s someone who remained impactful and will continue to be a force up the middle for the team.
Outside linebacker Odafe Oweh will also look to take a massive step forward and improve upon his five sacks and two forced fumbles from his rookie season.
The return of Michael Pierce, who had a rough few years with the Minnesota Vikings, could also prove to be a huge addition to that Ravens front line, especially if he can prove to be an upgrade over Brandon Williams.
Rookie outside linebacker David Ojabo was a lock to be a first-round pick had it not been for an unfortunate injury at his pro day which saw him rupture his Achilles. If the Ravens can get him healthy, having him opposite Oweh will be a nightmare for any offensive line.
If the Ravens’ defense can stay healthy, you’d struggle to find any team in the league who is better on that side of the ball. The Ravens might just have the best and most complete defense in the entire NFL.