Baltimore Ravens' top 3 roster needs that must be addressed heading into 2024 NFL offseason
Thanks to another ugly playoff loss, this time to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens' season ended with another disappointing thud. Despite taking the AFC's No. 1 seed and earning home field advantage, the Ravens couldn't even make it to the Super Bowl. Does that mean the 2023 season was a bust? No way. […]
Thanks to another ugly playoff loss, this time to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens' season ended with another disappointing thud. Despite taking the AFC's No. 1 seed and earning home field advantage, the Ravens couldn't even make it to the Super Bowl.
Does that mean the 2023 season was a bust? No way. This team should return a good portion of their young budding stars and leaders for 2024, including a healthy TE Mark Andrews. Of course, they'll have two-time MVP, Lamar Jackson, which means expectations will be just as high as ever.
But, like all NFL teams, the Ravens have some questions to answer and moves to make this offseason. And, with a little more than $4.3 million in effective cap space, it'll be interesting to see how they navigate said moves.
So, let's stop wasting time and jump into the top-3 offseason needs for the Ravens.
What positions do the Ravens need to focus on most this offseason?
Wide Receiver
The Ravens have four veteran wide receivers scheduled to hit the open market this free agency, including Beckham Jr. Even if he is re-signed, the lack of a No. 1 caliber receiver hurt this offense during the playoffs. Adding an X-receiver is exactly what both Jackson and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken need to take things to the next level in Year 2.
Dream draft prospect(s) to know: FSU WR Keon Coleman. He would give Jackson a true big-body physical receiver that can make plays at the catch point even if he is "covered".
Cornerback
Cornerback has remained a need entering draft season over the past two years. They have five CBs prepared to reach the open market. Finding another lockdown-caliber CB to play the opposite of Marlon Humphrey would be ideal, to keep Brandon Stephens on the field as much as possible. That way, either Stephens or Humphrey could man the slot position. Regardless, they need more talent and depth this offseason.
Dream draft prospect(s) to know: Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell and Alabama's Terrion Arnold are great options to play outside and nickel cornerback in the Ravens' versatile coverage schemes. Both bring toughness, coverage prowess, and athleticism to this secondary.
Running Back
Running the football is an essential part of the Ravens offense. With both veteran backs, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins on expiring deals, there is a need to be addressed. Especially while sensation Keaton Mitchell returns/recovers from a torn ACL, and Justice Hill is not the answer, either.
Therefore, in a solid RB draft class and free-agent pool, the Ravens must strike while the iron is hot. A name to watch, is Derrick Henry, as most expect his time as a Tennessee Titan is over. Considering the Ravens wanted to trade for him during the season ahead of the trade deadline but a deal never materialized.
Dream draft prospect(s) to know: Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen would be a nice fit on a rookie contract that can fill the void left by Edwards in free agency (if he leaves).
If the Ravens can pull these moves off in an effective manner, it should help them get over the AFC Championship Game hump and back into the Super Bowl for the first time since they won their second title in 2012.
