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One thing remains constant around the Baltimore Ravens. Nothing ever stays the same. Every offseason brings change. Coaches earn promotions elsewhere. Front-office executives climb the NFL ladder. Players leave in free agency while new stars arrive to take their place. It's the price of sustained success. This offseason has been no different.
Former offensive coordinator Todd Monken is now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Mike Macdonald celebrated a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks this past February, and former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh now leads the New York Giants.
The roster has evolved as well. FOX Sports recently ranked the 15 offseason additions expected to make the biggest impact around the league, and three current or former Ravens earned spots on the list.
Patrick Ricard checked in at No. 15. FOX Sports believes the longtime Ravens fullback will play a critical role in helping John Harbaugh establish the physical identity he wants in New York. Ricard's blocking ability has been one of Baltimore's offensive staples for years, and the expectation is that he'll create running lanes for quarterback Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and a revamped Giants backfield.
His departure certainly leaves a void in Baltimore's running game. It also speaks to the value Ricard continues to bring, even this late in his career.
Tyler Linderbaum ranked ninth. After becoming one of the NFL's premier centers in Baltimore, Linderbaum signed a lucrative contract with the Las Vegas Raiders that made him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in league history.
FOX Sports believes he'll immediately help stabilize Las Vegas' offensive line while easing the burden on veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and eventually first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza. His intelligence, communication, and athleticism have long been strengths, and those qualities should translate seamlessly to his new home.
The highest-ranked Ravens-related addition belonged to Baltimore itself. Trey Hendrickson landed fifth overall after signing a four-year, $112 million contract with the Ravens. FOX Sports believes his arrival could return Baltimore's defense to elite status by providing the consistent edge pressure it lacked at times last season.
The analysis makes sense. Few pass rushers have been as productive as Hendrickson in recent years.
His ability to consistently collapse the pocket should create more opportunities for Baltimore's talented secondary while reducing the amount of time opposing quarterbacks have to find open receivers. For years, the Ravens searched for answers against Hendrickson. Now, they'll line him up in purple. That's as satisfying a statement as one can hear with another season looming.
The Ravens have built one of the NFL's premier organizations by drafting well, developing talent, and making difficult decisions when necessary. Sometimes that means watching beloved veterans continue their careers elsewhere. Other times it means adding difference-makers capable of changing the trajectory of a championship contender.
FOX Sports' rankings serve as another reminder that Baltimore's influence extends well beyond its own roster. Whether through the players it develops or the stars it acquires, the Ravens continue leaving their mark across the league, even when those players leave and begin wearing different uniforms.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Current and former Ravens make a list of NFL impact newcomers
Continue reading...
Former offensive coordinator Todd Monken is now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Mike Macdonald celebrated a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks this past February, and former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh now leads the New York Giants.
The roster has evolved as well. FOX Sports recently ranked the 15 offseason additions expected to make the biggest impact around the league, and three current or former Ravens earned spots on the list.
Patrick Ricard should help establish the Giants' identity.
Patrick Ricard checked in at No. 15. FOX Sports believes the longtime Ravens fullback will play a critical role in helping John Harbaugh establish the physical identity he wants in New York. Ricard's blocking ability has been one of Baltimore's offensive staples for years, and the expectation is that he'll create running lanes for quarterback Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and a revamped Giants backfield.
His departure certainly leaves a void in Baltimore's running game. It also speaks to the value Ricard continues to bring, even this late in his career.
Tyler Linderbaum's departure will reshape the Raiders' offense
Tyler Linderbaum ranked ninth. After becoming one of the NFL's premier centers in Baltimore, Linderbaum signed a lucrative contract with the Las Vegas Raiders that made him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in league history.
FOX Sports believes he'll immediately help stabilize Las Vegas' offensive line while easing the burden on veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and eventually first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza. His intelligence, communication, and athleticism have long been strengths, and those qualities should translate seamlessly to his new home.
Trey Hendrickson gives Baltimore exactly what it needed
The highest-ranked Ravens-related addition belonged to Baltimore itself. Trey Hendrickson landed fifth overall after signing a four-year, $112 million contract with the Ravens. FOX Sports believes his arrival could return Baltimore's defense to elite status by providing the consistent edge pressure it lacked at times last season.
The analysis makes sense. Few pass rushers have been as productive as Hendrickson in recent years.
His ability to consistently collapse the pocket should create more opportunities for Baltimore's talented secondary while reducing the amount of time opposing quarterbacks have to find open receivers. For years, the Ravens searched for answers against Hendrickson. Now, they'll line him up in purple. That's as satisfying a statement as one can hear with another season looming.
The Ravens continue shaping the NFL.
The Ravens have built one of the NFL's premier organizations by drafting well, developing talent, and making difficult decisions when necessary. Sometimes that means watching beloved veterans continue their careers elsewhere. Other times it means adding difference-makers capable of changing the trajectory of a championship contender.
FOX Sports' rankings serve as another reminder that Baltimore's influence extends well beyond its own roster. Whether through the players it develops or the stars it acquires, the Ravens continue leaving their mark across the league, even when those players leave and begin wearing different uniforms.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Current and former Ravens make a list of NFL impact newcomers
Continue reading...
