Ravens News 2/18: All AFCN Team and more

2019 All-AFC North Team - Rob Weintraub

QB: Lamar Jackson, BAL

Lamar finished fifth in DYAR and second in DVOA (behind only Drew Brees) — and that only factored in his passing.

TE: Mark Andrews, BAL

The Ravens had three tight ends with positive DYAR, with Andrews leading the way.

OT: Ronnie Stanley, BAL

OT: Orlando Brown, BAL

OG: Joel Bitonio, CLE

OG: Marshal Yanda, BAL

C: J.C. Tretter, CLE

Bradley Bozeman had an argument to be on the squad at guard, giving the Ravens four of the five starters.

CB: Marcus Peters, BAL

CB: Denzel Ward, CLE

Slot CB: Marlon Humphrey, BAL

S: Minkah Fitzpatrick, PIT

S: Earl Thomas, BAL

The legendary Thomas, ironically, was the only difficult choice, as he tipped out Jessie Bates and Terrell Edmunds. Humphrey, the best cornerback in the division, covered more slot targets than anyone else in the AFC North.

How Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line depth shapes up after James Hurst’s suspension - Aaron Kasinitz

If Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda decides to play in 2020 rather than retire (a factor which could cause a significant shift in the team’s offseason plans and short-term outlook), the Ravens can return their entire starting five from the stretch of the season.

So the concerns about the offensive line exist within its depth instead of its star power.

Aside from Hurst, Powers is the only backup offensive linemen under contract for the Ravens in 2020 who appeared in a game with the team in ‘19. But Powers was a fourth-round rookie last year who was active just once in the regular season, and that was during a Week 17 win over the Steelers that lacked significance for a Baltimore team that had already sewn up the AFC’s top playoff seed.

The Ravens can hope for similar good health in 2020, but it’d be unwise to assume it’ll come to fruition. That means general manager Eric DeCosta might spend the next few months using free agency and the draft to fortify depth at an important position group.

2020 FREE AGENT PROFILE: DEFENSIVE END SHAQ LAWSON - Joe Marino

WHERE HE WINS

While Lawson is a solid pass rusher that can win from the outside or interior, his best attribute is his run defense. His outstanding functional strength and polished hand usage enable him to control reps at the point of attack, disengage and finish. Lawson processes the run extremely well and plays through blocks. He’s reliable at setting the edge and makes sure he takes care of his contain responsibilities.

POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS

All AFC North Teams

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens offense carved up every defense it faced last regular season except the Bills and Lawson was a big reason why. His outstanding run defense and ability to contain, bottled up Jackson and limited the league’s best offense from 2019.

Top 5 Positional Rankings 2020 NFL Draft - Clint Clearwater

WR

1. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

2. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

3. Laviska Shenault, Colorado

4. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

5. Justin Jefferson, LSU

T-5. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona St.

T-5. Tee Higgins, Clemson

The obvious strength of this draft, the WRs are going to fly off the boards. CeeDee Lamb has been a beast for the last 2 seasons - you know what you are getting with him, I have a top 10 grade on him. Jeudy has unreal stop/start speed and quickness, fantastic route runner and is deadly in open space. I have a top 15 grade on him.

Shenault isn’t as polished, he needs to be more consistent, but is a freak of nature. He’s scary with the ball in his hands, can score from anywhere - he will be making plays early next year. I have a top 20 grade on him. Ruggs is also a first rounder, Jefferson is a first rounder, and Aiyuk and Higgins would not surprise me to sneak into the first round either. This class is loaded.

DE

1. Chase Young, Ohio St.

2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

3. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn St.

4. K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

5. Marlon Davidson, Auburn

A.J. Epenesa is my clear number 2; guys, I have a top 10 grade on him - he’s been too good for too long.

He’s an immediate starter and a game changer. Gross-Matos is intriguing to me. The potential is through the roof; he could be an elite player, but he definitely needs to bulk up and be better against the run. I have a first round grade on him.

Chaisson is a pass rushing specialist. There is certainly tape out there that I do not care for, but he had himself a good season. Pass rushers are hard to find so he will be drafted early. I like him, but Chaisson is the biggest risk out of my top 5. Davidson is a tough and strong DE that isn’t super fast or quick. However, he clearly plays with a tremendous amount of strength and has a dominate bull rush. He’s not flashy, but I could see Davidson being a pro bowl type player for a long time.