Which Special Teams aces will the Baltimore Ravens bring back in 2016?

The Ravens have fielded one of the most productive special teams unit for each of the past years. Part of that is the specialists, with Justin Tucker, Sam Koch and Morgan Cox all making the Pro Bowl in the past three seasons. But the Ravens coverage units have also been a key part of that success, led by a quartet of veterans. Linebackers Albert McClellan, 2nd year inside linebacker Zachary Orr, and 3rd year safeties Anthony Levine and Brynden Trawick are the key special teams players for the Ravens, with Orr, Levine, and Trawick playing more than 83% of the special teams snaps, and McClellan slotting in at just under 70%. With only 3 other players above 50%, this quartet is important to the Ravens.

However, they likely will not be together much longer- only Levine is under contract for next season, although he would result in a $1 million savings ($200k dead money) if cut. McClellan is an unrestricted free agent, but Trawick and Orr are restricted free agents, increasing the likelihood they will be back for 2016. Complicating things are the possibility of Daryl Smith's release, which would open playing time at inside linebacker and give Orr an opportunity to play more on defense, leaving the question about whether his snaps on special teams will decrease. With Trawick (87 snaps) and Levine (10 snaps) barely playing on defense, Orr has the highest likelihood of returning to the Ravens, as he contributes on defense too.

If the Ravens let Trawick and/or McClellan walk, or release Levine, this would open up a key special team role for one of the recent draft picks who have already provided value to the unit. Kyle Juszczyk, Terrence Brooks and Arthur Brown were all above 53% this season, so Brooks and/or Brown could be one to step up. Other candidates include recent draftees Darren Waller, Nick Boyle, Tray Walker, Za'Darius Smith, all of whom should be on the roster come 2016.