Ravens News 2/12: Outsiders Awards and more

2019 Football Outsiders Awards - Vincent Verhei

Who is your choice for 2019 NFL MVP?

On a per-game basis, Jackson led Prescott 102.1 DYAR to 100.5. Jackson broke quarterback records with 1,206 rushing yards on 176 carries (breaking his own record in the latter category), and also led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns and an 81.1 QBR. He was second in passing DVOA behind Drew Brees, who missed five games. His leading receiver was tight end Mark Andrews, a former third-round draft pick in his second season. And he did this on a team that won 14 games and home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs.

Who was the best offensive lineman of 2019?

The Ravens pick up another award, as Baltimore linemen finish first and third in this category. Ronnie Stanley, the sixth overall draft pick in 2016, finally lived up to that draft status, making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams for the first time. For teammate Marshal Yanda, however, those kind of accolades are old hat — this was his eighth Pro Bowl nomination and second All-Pro appearance.

Which of these turnaround units is most likely to keep its improvement and fight off regression to the mean in 2020?

Well, it seems everyone is expecting the best teams in 2019 to be the best teams in 2020. The Ravens will still have Lamar Jackson and the 49ers will still have Kyle Shanahan (not to mention a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo), so there’s certainly cause for optimism for those offenses.

One way or another, the Ravens need to keep Matthew Judon - Mike Preston

Going into this offseason, the Ravens’ needs are glaring. On offense, they yet again need to find a big, fast outside receiver. And a guard or center would help, too.

The Ravens’ biggest holes are on defense, particularly in the front seven. They need a big, physical middle linebacker and a defensive end. They also need to get a pass rusher or two, and keeping Judon would at least give them some options.

The Ravens were fortunate a year ago. They had the best offense in the NFL, averaging 33.2 points per game. They controlled the time of possession with their running game and forced teams to play catch-up, which made the Ravens’ pass rush more effective.

But when it didn’t work out that way against the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round, the Ravens’ weaknesses were exposed. Even with Judon, they couldn’t mount a consistent pass rush without a lot of blitzes.

It would get worse if he is allowed to hit the open market.

Three-round 2020 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys land tight end, Patriots add playmakers, three QBs taken on Day 2 - R.J. White

Round 1 - Pick 28

Kenneth Murray LB

OKLAHOMA • JR • 6’2” / 234 LBS

The Ravens are losing a lot of snaps in free agency with Patrick Owanusor and Josh Bynes hitting the open market. Murray brings excellent speed to the position and can solidify one spot in the starting lineup.

Round 2 - Pick 28

Raekwon Davis DL

ALABAMA • SR • 6’7” / 312 LBS

With the Ravens losing several defensive tackles to free agency, this is a good spot to get someone like Davis who can solidify the interior even if he isn’t going to produce stats that jump off the page at the next level.

Round 3 - Pick 28

Jabari Zuniga EDGE

FLORIDA • SR • 6’4” / 246 LBS

The Ravens keep adding to their front-seven with Zuniga, who can compete for snaps on the defensive line right away.