TAKING STOCK: 2022 BALTIMORE RAVENS

BY ADAM GREENE

In spite of their best efforts, the Baltimore Ravens were still alive for a playoff spot mathematically on the final weekend of the season. Once the Indianapolis Colts choked on their own feet against the Jacksonville Jaguars, their contest with the Pittsburgh Steelers became a play-in game — one that the Ravens lost 16-13.

Of course, the team wasn’t at full strength as quarterback and former league MVP Lamar Jackson missed the final four games. And you could blame it on that if the Ravens didn’t lose their final six games.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

2021-22 Record: 8-9, fourth place AFC North

Playoffs: N/A

NOW WHAT?

Jackson still isn’t fully healthy after suffering a bone bruise in his ankle. It’s something I’ve been harping about for the last few seasons and a problem Baltimore continually refuses to address. While offensive coordinator Greg Roman did show some desire to call a real NFL offense last season, when it mattered the most, he went right back to the Pop Warner playbook and all that’s ever going to do is get a generational talent like Jackson hurt.

The Ravens did part ways with a coordinator, except it was on defense with Wink Martindale getting shown the door. As of this writing John Harbaugh is still employing Roman and, as such, this team will continue a downward spiral until he’s shot out the nearest airlock.

There’s the running problem of Jackson’s contract. He’s entering his fifth and final year and while I’m all for letting a guy play it out, they’ll have to address it at some point, which means their current cap number at $9.792 million under is just an illusion.

FREE AGENCY

The Ravens’ biggest potential free agent loss might retire. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell is a team leader and still productive in his old age. If he does come back, he presumably would be on a one year deal with a low cap number.

There’s always creative ways to manipulate the salary cap and the Ravens should be a preferred destination for defensive players at the very least. They need to add another edge rusher even if Campbell returns. A guy like Haason Reddick would fit right into their defense. Derek Barnett is a player that’s never lived up to his potential, but with the Ravens might actually find the mojo that made him a first round pick out of Tennessee.

There are some older options to upgrade the corner position and that’s never bothered Harbaugh before. Chris Harris or Joe Haden would lock down a spot while younger guys grew into the role.

DRAFT

I had Baltimore taking Devin Lloyd out of Utah at the No. 14 pick in my mock draft. The Ravens’ defense over the last 20 plus years has been best when they have athletic linebackers that can rush the passer. All it did was win them a couple of Super Bowls.

They need to stop trying to band aid their wide receiver corps and nab another guy in the draft for Jackson to grow some chemistry with (and help keep his price low on a rookie contract) so someone like George Pickens out of Georgia or Jahan Dotson from Penn State would be a solid selection in the second round.

AFC NORTH

All the Bengals need to do to remain atop the AFC North is continue building their offensive line, so the three other teams are in catch up mode. The Ravens aren’t the closest, but they have a playmaker that only Cincinnati can match in Jackson. What they must do is protect him with their playcalling and they just haven’t to this point in his career.

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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