Ravens News 1/29: Yanda’s decision timeline and more

One thing each AFC team can do to dethrone the Chiefs in 2020 - Gregg Rosenthal

BALTIMORE RAVENS: Upgrade the front seven.

The Ravens would like to get another receiver on the outside for Lamar Jackson to throw to, but Baltimore’s offense is a strength to build on. That’s not true of the team’s ability to pressure the passer without blitzing. Keeping Matthew Judon from leaving via free agency would be a strong start, but perhaps general manager Eric DeCosta can get creative, with plenty of pass-rushing options like Jadeveon Clowney, Yannick Ngakoue and maybe even Chris Jones potentially available this offseason. The Ravens also struggled to replace inside linebacker C.J. Mosley. Baltimore used to create front-seven talent through the draft as if from an assembly line, but production has slowed in recent years. It’s time for some outside help.

Marshal Yanda’s Feelings About Retirement, And Timeline for His Decision - Ryan Mink

”I’m going to take my time now, officially done playing now for the year,” Yanda said. “Just take some time over the next month and basically go with my heart and see how I feel.”

“You want people to want you back,” Yanda said. “That’s the way to end it is to be playing really well when you end. Nobody wants to fade out; you want to go out strong.”

“When you’re a Hall of Fame-type of guy and you’re a lineman, it’s really important to finish strong in your career, to play Hall of Fame football at the end, because that’s when everybody is watching. And he’s doing that,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said at his season-ending press conference.

”So, I’m all for him playing Hall of Fame football for another year if he so chooses, and I did tell him that. I let him know that, and we had a good hug and stuff. But he’ll do what’s right for his family, and whatever he does, we’ll respect it.”

2020 NFL Draft position rankings - Michael Renner

Defensive interior

1. Derrick Brown, Auburn

2. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

3. Jordan Elliott, Missouri

4. Marlon Davison, Auburn

5. Ross Blacklock, TCU

6. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma

7. Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M

8. Raekwon Davis, Alabama

9. Leki Fotu, Utah

10. Davon Hamilton, Ohio State

Edge

1. Chase Young, Ohio State

2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

3. Curtis Weaver, Boise State

4. Darrell Taylor, Tennessee

5. Bradlee Anae, Utah

6. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

7. K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

8. Josh Uche, Michigan

9. Terrell Lewis, Alabama

10. Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame