Loud Whispers: Ravens trading for Commanders' former no. 2 pick?

Let's be clear for a minute before we get into silly-season, trade rumors talk: the Baltimore Ravens' roster is loaded left to right, top to bottom.

Yes, there might be some depth issues here and there, but the starters of the Ravens entering training camp are all nearly set in stone and looking as good as they ever have. That includes both the offensive and the defensive side of the game.

Baltimore is still exploring some options in order to bolster a couple of positions, mind you, because you never stop trying to get the tiniest edge over your opponents.

Speaking of "edge"... It's been a few days and weeks since we first heard of a former no. 2 pick perhaps making his way to the Ravens via trade. Most recently, in a column written by Jarrett Bailey of USA Today, the analyst brought the conversation back to the forefront shading some new light in the possible development of it.

"There have already been murmurs about [Chase Young], the former No. 2 overall pick being dealt. With Washington not picking up Young’s option, several teams have been rumored to be interested, including the Steelers and Ravens. However, with Pittsburgh extending Alex Highsmith, the likelihood of them going after Young is slim to none. That leaves Baltimore, and it would fit their MO like a glove. We’ve seen the Ravens bring in veteran pass rushers and defensive linemen before — Elvis Dumervil, Yanick Ngakoue, Justin Houston, and Calais Campbell — and they have a need at the position. Of course, other teams like the Colts or even the Bears could be in on the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, but keep your eyes on Baltimore as a potential landing spot should Washington move him during the season."

- Jarrett Bailey, USA Today

Uh, oh, color me excited folks!

As Bailey pointed out in his piece, the Ravens would do good to add some warm bodies to their edge rushing corps and it's not that the franchise have not done something similar in the past.

Baltimore, of course, as drafted young players to build a future around the position in David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh, who are expected to start producing as soon as next season while starting games on the edge flanking inside linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen.

What if the Ravens could add a disgruntled elite-level performer to go with the latter two, though? That might be the case if the Washington Commanders are willing to entertain discussions for the trade of Chase Young, who has put on some serious performances through his short NFL career but seems to be out of place in D.C.

In order for this to happen it might take the Ravens sending more than a few valuable assets the other way, but the return would be sublime if they can add Young to their defensive line in order to terrorize opposing quarterbacks going forward.

Young has already racked up multiple accolades since entering the league in 2020 getting a Pro Bowl nod and lifting the 2020 Defense Rookie of the Year award. He's sacked quarterbacks nine times while completing 50 solo tackles and forcing six fumbles through 27 games as a pro.

The Commanders have declined Young's rookie-deal fifth-year option, putting the franchise in a perilous, no-leverage situation and perhaps positioning Young in a prime position to demand a trade. If that's the case, the Baltimore Ravens should not hesitate even with some injury concerns attached to Young's name.