Ravens News 2/1: Roster Evaluation and more

END OF SEASON ROSTER EVALUATION OFFENSE - Ken McKusick

Developmental (11): Miles Boykin, Ben Bredeson, Trystan Colon-Castillo, Devin Duvernay, Justice Hill, Tyler Huntley, Patrick Mekari, Nick Moore, Tyre Phillips, Ben Powers, James Proche

Boykin: He’s been an exceptional run blocker, but has thus far failed to help the Ravens threaten more of the field offensively, which is essential to their overall success.

Devin Duvernay: He contributed as a receiver, gunner, and punt/kickoff return specialist. After 11 weeks he was averaging 8.7 YPT, but he was targeted just 3 times for 2 yards in the last 7 games (including playoffs).

Mekari: Aggregate grade was a D at guard, C at center, and a B+ in a half at RT. That effectively excludes his snap issues at C. He’ll compete for the starting C role with important versatility bonus points.

Phillips: His aggregate score at each of RG and RT translates to a D. I don’t believe the Ravens will slot him as the primary backup at RT, but it’s not clear if he’ll get his next chance either by winning a job or due to injury. An offseason of both positional coaching and strength/weight training would be an excellent investment.

Powers: Ben is on the verge of the young producer category after winning the RG spot and starting the final 9 game (616 snaps). He outperformed Mekari in about 50 fewer snaps. He may face a challenge to start at RG in 2021, but he begins as the incumbent.

Ranking the NFL’s most productive 2020 rookie draft classes from 1 to 32 - PFF

26. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Why they’re ranked here: The most valuable rookie from Baltimore’s 2020 class in regard to PFF WAR was second-round pick J.K. Dobbins, who ended up finishing the year 13th among all running backs in that metric. Still, that’s not all that valuable considering the position he plays. Linebacker Patrick Queen (No. 28 overall) and offensive tackle Tyre Phillips (No. 106 overall) were among the 20 least-valuable rookies this season.

How their top pick fared: Queen closed out his first year in the NFL with the second-lowest PFF grade among all off-ball linebackers at 29.7. He did bring some value to the table with his blitzing prowess in Wink Martindale’s blitz-heavy defense (21 pressures on 107 rushes), but his run-defense (29.0 grade) and coverage (30.2 grade) were poor.

50 Words or Less - John Eisenberg

The contract extension for tight end Nick Boyle, announced Friday, indicates his importance to the offense, but it also is a sign of the organization’s trust in him, as Boyle is still recovering from the knee injury that ended his 2020 season. The Ravens obviously believe he’ll fully recover.

Given the uncertainty at outside linebacker with so many pending free agents, retaining Pernell McPhee on a one-year deal makes great sense. He handled a heavy snap load this season, delivered in big games and led in the locker room. He is easy to envision as part of the solution.

After Harbaugh and DeCosta referenced it, I checked the Ravens’ league-low total of pass attempts in 2020. Indeed, their average of 25 per game was 10 below the league average. It’s no surprise, but if anything, the Ravens need to throw more to force defenses to play them more straightaway.

5 THINGS WE LEARNED FROM 2021 SENIOR BOWL - Brentley Weissman

It’s a Good Year to Draft a Middle-Round WR

Outside of the defensive line, the receivers had the best day of all of the position groups. Even without the likes of Kadarius Toney or D’Wayne Eskridge playing in the game, the receivers stole the show. Players like Louisville’s Dez Fitzpatrick, Clemson’s Amari Rodgers, and South Carolina’s Shi Smith all stood out in the game. Fitzpatrick especially is a guy I want to note as I thought he was outstanding all week but was getting a bit overlooked with some of the bigger names out there drawing more attention. Fitzpatrick showed his ability to run crisp routes and separate laterally, and also showed some nice ball skills even though he did have two drops on the day. Both Rodgers and Smith showed their ability to win from the slot and be weapons with the ball in their hands after the catch. Teams who need slot receiver help will love this draft class.

7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft - AJ Schulte

27. Baltimore Ravens: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

The Ravens are set to have Matt Judon, Pernell McPhee, and Tyus Bowser hit free agency. Jayson Oweh is an athletic marvel with excellent quickness and explosiveness off the line. He doesn’t have the production most pass rushers do, but his tools make him a great fit with Don Martindale’s scheme.

58. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Myers, OC, Ohio State

98. Baltimore Ravens: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State

125. Baltimore Ravens: Ben Cleveland, OG, Georgia

155. Baltimore Ravens (via PIT): Seth Williams, WR, Auburn

188. Baltimore Ravens: Quintin Morris, TE, Bowling Green