It’s now or never for the Baltimore Ravens heading into the 2020 season. Baltimore has the easiest strength of schedule and will travel the least amount of miles in the league. The Ravens got every break in the world. If they’re going to win a Super Bowl with this smoke and mirror offense, it has to happen this year. Let’s dive right into the Ravens 2020 Training Camp Preview.
3 Position Battles To Watch:
Guard: Bradley Bozeman, Tyre Phillips, Ben Powers, Ben Bredeson, DJ Fluker
I’m listing both guard spots despite the fact that Bradley Bozeman did a nice job last year as a starter. Baltimore drafted Tyre Phillips and Ben Bredeson for a reason. Marshall Yanda is one of the best guards in NFL history. That’s not just someone you replace. The Ravens are hoping they hit big again with one of those rookies. If not, DJ Fluker is a veteran presence that can fill the void.
Defensive Tackle: Derek Wolfe, Justin Madubuike
Vet vs rookie. Both will obviously see the field. I think Baltimore got a steal with Derek Wolfe who for some reason nobody prioritized this offseason. Wolfe, 30, had 7 sacks a year ago in 12 games which were a career high. The Ravens also took Justin Madubuike in the 3rd round who some projected as a late first round pick. Definitely not a big body but can do some things rushing the passer.
Edge Rusher: Pernell McPhee, Jaylon Ferguson, Chauncey Rivers, Tyus Bowser
We head into another offseason with question marks at this position. A year ago, I questioned why Baltimore didn’t address this position further and basically said they were putting all their eggs in the Matt Judon basket. Luckily for them, Judon came through.
The good news is his side is taken care of. The bad news is the other side is not. Pernell McPhee actually did a nice job last year but only played in 4 games. He will likely be the starter but is old and may not have much left. Jaylon Ferguson has been a bust like I said he would be. Tyus Bowser could be the breakout guy who had 5 sacks last year. They need another surprise.
Ready To Breakout: Marlon Humphrey
I’m not sure this one really counts since Marlon Humphrey is already emerging as one of the best corners in the NFL. I just think this is the year more people notice. Humphrey ranked 3rd in the NFL in forced incompletions in man coverage. Tre’Davious White is recognized as a superstar. This is the year Humphrey gets his due. Baltimore has the best group of corners in football.
Rookie To Watch: Malik Harrison
Thank the heavens, the Ravens finally have a middle linebacker. Wait… TWO middle linebackers. God help me if I would have saw Eric DeCosta last year for the way Baltimore handled the CJ Mosley situation. It left a black hole on the defense. If Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison come through, that spot is totally taken care of. Harrison is really the one to watch. We think Queen will be fine but if Harrison delivers, it’s a game changer for this defense. The former Buckeyes linebacker was a standout at the Senior Bowl.
Fantasy Sleeper: Gus Edwards
Did you know Gus Edwards is averaging 5.3 yards per carry in 270 attempts!?! Edwards might be the single most underrated running back in football. The more impressive part is a lot of that work has come in mop-up duty where the game is over and Baltimore is just running the clock out. Defenses know it’s a run and Edwards is STILL averaging 5.3 yards per carry. You want to talk about insane, that’s it right there. This is a deep sleeper too because Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins are there but you should keep tabs on Gus.
