In a recent ESPN insider article, Sam Monson ranks the rosters of all the teams in the NFL. The Ravens came in 3rd in his rankings, following the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, a rare show of respect for the team, although it has becoming too common for my liking. I prefer my Ravens flying under the radar, but it is looking like those days are done for the Joe Flacco-led Ravens.
3. Baltimore Ravens
2014 Ranking: 16
Top five players: Marshal Yanda, Ricky Wagner, Kelechi Osemele, Terrell Suggs, Brandon Williams
Starters who should be upgraded: Courtney Upshaw
Analysis: There's a lot to like about the Baltimore roster. No, Joe Flacco isn't elite, but the offensive line became one of the league's best a year ago and that paved the way for an excellent season from running back Justin Forsett, who returns for 2015. Rookies have the potential to make a big impact on this team: Wide receiver Breshad Perriman and tight end Maxx Williams could become two of the Ravens' top three targets on offense by season's end.
The defense is not quite what it once was, but it's still full of good players. Cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb should be better if they can just stay healthy. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has departed, but Brandon Williams and Timmy Jernigan played very well last season and should fill that void.
The interesting thing is that his love is mostly centered on the offense, with not as much love for the defense. I think if you asked most Ravens fans, they would tell you that as much as they love the offense, the defense should be the better unit. Deep at every position, the team features an abundance of pro bowl caliber players in Jimmy Smith, Will Hill, CJ Mosley, Daryl Smith, Terrell Suggs, and Elvis Dumervil. Young up and comers like Brandon Williams and Timmy Jernigan are breakout players who should be known and feared across the league for years to come. So at least the defense is flying under the radar.
This is a defense which was a play or 2 from representing the AFC in the Super Bowl despite major injuries in the secondary, including their best corner. Undrafted free agent signee Rashaad Melvin, who had an excellent showing in his first 5 starts, was vicitmized over and over by Tom Brady in the playoffs. But with the secondary healthy, and more depth than ever, this might be the most excited I have ever been for a football season to start.
Following the Ravens in the rankings from the AFC was New England (4), Denver (5), Cincinnati (9), Pittsburgh (12), Indianapolis (13), and surprisingly Cleveland (14).