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Which Ravens deserve extensions?
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns signed a $40+ million dollar extension over 4 years on Thursday (as first reported by ProFootballTalk).
This got me thinking which Ravens deserve an extension before free agency?
The notable selections from the 2013 draft are:
Round 1 Pick 32 Safety Matt Elam
Matt Elam has struggled throughout his time as a Raven. Just as he was improving his play last offseason, he was injured and was not able to play for the regular season. The Ravens also did not pick up his fifth-year option
Round 2 Pick 56 Inside Linebacker Arthur Brown
Arthur Brown hasn't done much with the Ravens. He will compete with Zach Orr, and Kamalei Correa for the inside linebacker spot next to C.J. Mosley this offseason. He isn't a bust yet, as we have seen guys like Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe contribute little until their third or fourth year.
Round 3 Pick 94 Nose Tackle Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams was the best draft pick from the 2013 draft class. The Ravens will likely try to get an extension done with Williams after Justin Tucker gets his deal done. The deadline for the franchise tag is July 15 to get a long-term deal done. However, looking at other deals that got done in free agency this offseason, Williams may choose to test the free agency market after deals like Malik Jackson(6 years, $90 mil), and Olivier Vernon(5 years, $85 mil). Though they are not exactly the same type of players, money could be more important than staying in Baltimore for Williams.
Round 5 Pick 168 Right Tackle Ricky Wagner
Ricky Wagner was thrown into the fire start his career off as a Raven in a Week 1 game against the Broncos in the 2013 season. He played like a fifth round pick would that first game, but came back in the 2014 season and was one of the best right tackles in the league. His play dropped off because of injury at the end of the 2014 season, but he improved as the 2015 season went on. The Ravens should extend Wagner based on how he plays when healthy, however, he may reach free agency if Brandon Williams is resigned.
The notable undrafted free agents from the 2014 draft are:
Inside Linebacker Zachary Orr
Zach Orr will compete for the inside linebacker spot next to Mosley this offseason. Depending on his play this year, he may be resigned next offseason.
Left Tackle James Hurst
James Hurst is a reliable backup, but he is a backup for a reason. His most memorable play is definitely the play last season where Joe Flacco was injured and is still fighting back from. Hurst was pushed back by a Rams defender and into Flacco's legs. The Ravens drafted Alex Lewis and Ronnie Stanley. They also signed Vladimir Ducasse. If Hurst doesn't improve his game in the offseason, don't be surprised if Hurst is one of the cuts before Week 1.
Franchise Tag Player:
Kicker Justin Tucker
Justin Tucker should also be resigned before the season starts. If they can't get a deal done before July 15, he will play under the franchise tag.