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There aren't many organizations like the Baltimore Ravens. Words like 'excellence' come to mind. So does 'defense'. When other cities were trotting out quarterbacks as the face of their franchise, this flock hung its hat on defense and showcased Ray Lewis as its star.
This was long before Lamar Jackson, and even longer before Derrick Henry. Baltimore's emotional leaders and locker-room leaders were Rod Woodson and Tony Siragusa.
Eventually, as years passed, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs joined the nest. Having a quarterback as the city's face, like Jackson. Yeah, that came later.
There aren't many cities that say they love defense and actually mean it, but there's a buzzing growing in Baltimore after the hiring of a defensive-minded coach. Some of his talent, including Ar'Darius Washington, faces an uncertain future. Replacing him and them won't be as simple as placing another body on the depth chart.
It will require finding someone who can communicate effectively, diagnose plays quickly, and thrive in a system that demands versatility. Will Baltimore hang on to Washington or move off him? If they elect to do the latter, here are some options.
Kevin Byard brought some punch to the Windy City upon his arrival. He's still stout against the run and made splash plays in coverage, recording a league-high seven interceptions this past season. He has elite football IQ. If the Ravens desire a reliable veteran presence who can lead and produce immediately, Byard checks just about every box.
If a veteran safety who will be 33 at the start of the season isn't the play, Coby Bryant is another option and potentially an upgrade in terms of depth signings. He offers versatility and positional flexibility, someone who can play deep or fill in as a coverage specialist, something Ravens safeties can routinely be asked to do.
Jaylinn Hawkins brings an aggressive, physical playing style, which will endear him to the Ravens flock upon his arrival. He has played in multiple defensive systems, making him someone who could start seamlessly if injuries occur and Baltimore's defense finds itself in a pinch.
Watching some Kevin Byard film allowed analysts to see Jaquan Brisker's outstanding play. He's a tone-setter who plays with physicality and aggression. He's a three-down specialist with versatility, playing the run and pass with equal proficiency.
Brisker offers both immediate impact and long-term value, and he could potentially be a more expensive buy than Ar'Darius Washington or even Alohi Gilman. Might that make the Ravens take a swing or realize that they're better off hanging on to what they already have?
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets Ravens could sign to replace Ar'Darius Washington
Continue reading...
This was long before Lamar Jackson, and even longer before Derrick Henry. Baltimore's emotional leaders and locker-room leaders were Rod Woodson and Tony Siragusa.
Eventually, as years passed, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs joined the nest. Having a quarterback as the city's face, like Jackson. Yeah, that came later.
There aren't many cities that say they love defense and actually mean it, but there's a buzzing growing in Baltimore after the hiring of a defensive-minded coach. Some of his talent, including Ar'Darius Washington, faces an uncertain future. Replacing him and them won't be as simple as placing another body on the depth chart.
It will require finding someone who can communicate effectively, diagnose plays quickly, and thrive in a system that demands versatility. Will Baltimore hang on to Washington or move off him? If they elect to do the latter, here are some options.
Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears
Kevin Byard brought some punch to the Windy City upon his arrival. He's still stout against the run and made splash plays in coverage, recording a league-high seven interceptions this past season. He has elite football IQ. If the Ravens desire a reliable veteran presence who can lead and produce immediately, Byard checks just about every box.
Coby Bryant, Seattle Seahawks
If a veteran safety who will be 33 at the start of the season isn't the play, Coby Bryant is another option and potentially an upgrade in terms of depth signings. He offers versatility and positional flexibility, someone who can play deep or fill in as a coverage specialist, something Ravens safeties can routinely be asked to do.
Jaylinn Hawkins, New England Patriots
Jaylinn Hawkins brings an aggressive, physical playing style, which will endear him to the Ravens flock upon his arrival. He has played in multiple defensive systems, making him someone who could start seamlessly if injuries occur and Baltimore's defense finds itself in a pinch.
Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears
Watching some Kevin Byard film allowed analysts to see Jaquan Brisker's outstanding play. He's a tone-setter who plays with physicality and aggression. He's a three-down specialist with versatility, playing the run and pass with equal proficiency.
Brisker offers both immediate impact and long-term value, and he could potentially be a more expensive buy than Ar'Darius Washington or even Alohi Gilman. Might that make the Ravens take a swing or realize that they're better off hanging on to what they already have?
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Free Agency: 4 targets Ravens could sign to replace Ar'Darius Washington
Continue reading...
