Ravens News 7/10: Defensive line battles, Mosley’s ranking among LBs and more

Baltimore Ravens roster review: Competition could rage along defensive line - Aaron Kasinitz

DT Michael Pierce

Roster status: Potential starter

Skinny: Pierce held onto a starting job last season in the middle of Baltimore’s defensive line, one year after the team signed him as an undrafted free agent. At 25, Pierce still has room to grow but it appears the Ravens are content with the Samford product playing a large role on the defense.

DT Carl Davis

Roster status: Potential starter

Skinny: Davis found his NFL footing after entering the league as a third-round pick in 2015, but if Urban stays healthy, he’ll need to impress in training camp in order to earn more playing time.

Pierce was forced into an increased workload last season and did not make the desired impact. He could be relegated to a backup role if Brandon Williams returns to nose tackle in 2018. Davis, on the other hand, played well down the stretch and could be the next in a long line of Baltimore defensive lineman who elevate their play in a contract year.

Old Faces in New Places: Fantasy Football Impact of the Biggest Offseason Moves - Michael Beller

MICHAEL CRABTREE, WR, RAVENS

Crabtree made boring value an art form during his three years in Oakland, hitting the 85-catch mark twice, topping 1,000 yards once and scoring 25 touchdowns as a Raider. The only players with more receiving touchdowns in that time were Antonio Brown, Doug Baldwin, DeAndre Hopkins and Odell Beckham Jr. And yet, no one ever seemed excited to take him in fantasy drafts. But now that he’s teamed up with Joe Flacco in Baltimore, 120-plus targets and a role as the go-to pass-catcher in the red zone feels like his floor. Crabtree may be boring in fantasy terms, but he already looks like a great bargain this season.

No team in the NFL lost more of their receiving production than the Ravens this offseason. Crabtree will likely claim many of those targets.

Third Eye Blind to help Ravens usher in 2018 season - Edward Lee

Third Eye Blind is the headline performing act for the Ravens’ Countdown to Kickoff Party on Sept. 7 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, the team announced Monday.

Known for hit singles like “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s It Going to Be,” Third Eye Blind will also perform songs from the band’s upcoming album, “Thanks for Everything,” which is set to be released Aug. 24.

Current and former Ravens players, the team’s cheerleaders and mascot Poe will make appearances, and there will be interactive games for fans. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Previously, bands including 3 Doors Down and Shinedown have helped the team kickoff the season.

Pro Football Weekly’s 2018 LB rankings - Hub Arkush

6. C.J. Mosley, Ravens

Mosley, the heir apparent to Ray Lewis as the Ravens’ first-round pick in 2014, has been to the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons, except 2015. At 6-2, 235 pounds, Mosley is the prototypical three-down inside linebacker, capable of playing in either a 3-4 or 4-3. 2017 was one of his best seasons, with 132 tackles, one sack, two fumbles recovered and two interceptions returned 94 yards, including one TD. Mosley has missed just two games in four seasons, both in 2016.

PFW ranked Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, Dont’a Hightower Deion Jones and K.J. Wright above Mosley.