In sports, we often here the phrases “this team is just one player away” and “imagine if they had a good player at this position.” Although these phrases usually apply more to sports such as basketball and baseball, it’s a nice hypothetical that every fan thinks about. This offseason the Ravens upgraded at several positions, including wide receiver and safety, but position groups such as the offensive line were largely ignored. This brings to mind the question, if you could upgrade any position on the Ravens’ roster, which one would it be?

Quarterback

Joe Flacco hasn't lived up to his contract since receiving it and he has failed to carry the team when it’s needed him the most. Quarterback is considered the most important position in sports and an outstanding one (i.e. Aaron Rodgers) can carry an entire team with his elevated play, despite the talent or lack thereof around him.

Right Tackle

A lot of people don't consider right tackle as important as left tackle, but I tend to disagree. The best pass rushers — players like J.J. Watt and Von Miller — line up across from the right tackle, making the position more important than ever. The Ravens are currently in a position where their former starting RT — Ricky Wagner — signed a lucrative deal with the Detroit Lions. With an emphasis on keeping the quarterback clean, perhaps a quality right tackle would improve the play of the offense all around.

Running Back

Only once since Joe Flacco was drafted, have the Ravens made the playoffs when they didn't boast a 1,000 yard rusher. That playoff berth occurred during Flacco’s rookie year when the Ravens’ defense was absolutely dominant. To pile on this narrative, the Ravens had the biggest run/pass differential in 2016 when they were a pass happy offense. Perhaps if the Ravens could rediscover a 1,000 yard rusher their chances of returning to the playoffs would substantially improve.

Cornerback

The Ravens have committed to improving at the cornerback position this offseason, but they could use a lockdown defender at the position. The Ravens play in a division that features two of the leagues top five receivers in Antonio Brown and A.J. Green. Factor in a respectable receiving unit in Cleveland and the need for a top tier cornerback is magnified.

Outside Linebacker

Again, the Ravens still have Terrell Suggs and they drafted Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams, but how would they compare to the Justin Houstons and Von Millers of the world? If you have an outside linebacker that can consistently put heat on the quarterback, then you make your entire defense better and help mask the deficincies the unit may have.

In football, it’s impossible to assemble a roster that has no weaknesses. The 2000 Ravens struggled on offense, the 2007 Patriots ran into an outstanding pass rush and the 2015 Panthers couldn't protect Cam Newton when it mattered most. Some teams are able to overcome these weaknesses and some take several years to earn redemption. With that being said, it’s always fun to speculate what your favorite team would be like if they impressively upgraded at a position of need.