On The Clock: 2018 Baltimore Ravens

by Paul Wanecski

​What a couple years it has been in Baltimore. An aging (and overpaid) quarterback in Joe Flacco (who is overpaid…wait…did I say that already) is among the only thing left of the previously Super Bowl winners. Nearly zero salary cap space coupled with a roster that looks like the roster from the 2006 All-Madden Team, things could get worse in Baltimore; but not that much worse.

Financials:
After the draft class is signed, Baltimore will be lucky to have $4 million dollars in remaining salary cap space. The team last offseason thought that investing in veterans would be the best course of action. Not a good idea. They have missed on the last few draft classes, failing to really see the needs of the team and fill them. Also not a good idea. They are STILL paying Joe Flacco (overpa…oh, you get the picture) to play QB. All in all, it’s a disaster in Baltimore, who is in need of a near-total teardown.

Offseason:
Well, this will be short since the team has practically no money. Jeremy Maclin, a big free agent signing last season, cut. Baltimore thought they had a steal in Danny Woodhead, the oft-injured running back was snagged from the Chargers after a season where he was (you guessed it) injured. Surprise, he missed basically the entire season, cut. Corner Lardarius Webb was also terminated from his contract. But even after those lessons, Baltimore couldn’t help themselves. They have brought in speed receiver John Brown. They also signed the exact opposite of a speed receiver, Michael Crabtree. I am not sure how this is an upgrade. While Crabtree was a target hog in Oakland, it was usually because teams would just play him over the top knowing that he could just close down on him to contest a catch.  Robert Griffin III is also now a Raven…I know, I am as surprised as you. Unfortunately, the team is set up for another couple years of financial purgatory.

Draft:
Calvin Ridley – WR Alabama – People have him going all over the map but if there is something Baltimore isn’t afraid of doing, its drafting WRs. Ridley could fall to 16 and come from the program in Alabama, the bright lights of the NFL won’t scare him. He is a solid route runner with pretty good speed but Baltimore has a QB that throws the ball 25 times a game. While this pick could happen, with Joe Flacco as your QB, it just seems like a waste
 
Josh Allen – QB Wyoming – I know, I know. QB really is a need for Baltimore but some things would have to happen for them to pull the trigger on one. It is most certainly time to start thinking about one. Obviously, if a player like Baker Mayfield drops then he would be the clear choice over Allen.
 
Mike McGlinchey- T Notre Dame – They need as much help as they can get on the line and to be honest, this might be the smartest selection for them. Ronnie Stanley is already in Baltimore so the connection is there to think that McGlinchey would instantly be a fit.
 
Courtland Sutton- WR Southern Methodist – With Crabtree in the fold, Sutton doesn’t make a ton of sense but that hasn’t stopped the Ravens before. He is a big red zone target. This would be an overdraft if they pulled the trigger.

Derwin James – S/CB Florida State – Some teams think he can play Corner, others think he should be a safety. If the Ravens think safety is the way to go, then this pick is too high. If they see him as a corner, then this feels about right.