Open Rants by Ctroyer1

The Baltimore Ravens were an arms reach away from making the playoffs. After making the playoffs six times in his first eight years as head coach, John Harbaugh and the Ravens missed the playoffs for the second straight year.  A team in 2016 that could win or lose to any opponent any Sunday lacks in playmaking talent on both sides of the ball, no ability to finish off an opponent, questionable coaching and play calling will be losing its offensive leader in Steve Smith Sr to retirement.  Luckily the team's defensive leader Terrell Suggs will be returning for his 15th year.  The Ravens have many decisions to make before the 2017 season if they wish to make the playoffs in the first time in three seasons.

The Ravens have decided to not make any big decision regarding changes to the coaching staff.  Both Dean Pees and Marty Mornhinweg will be retained as DC and OC respectively.  Coming as a shock to the Baltimore fan base that wants everyone fired so we can go back to Kyle Boller and Brian Billick era.  I agree with Steve Biscotti that it would be a step back to fire Pees or Mornhinweg only because John Harbaugh has earned the right for one more year to bring his team to significance again.  No sane coach would want to come in to Baltimore under Harbaugh knowing that 2017 could very well be his last year.  Also the fact that other than some questionable play calling I believe Harbaugh is a great leader and coach (see Ravens effort in a horrible 2015 season).  The truth is a run of subpar drafts and bad free agent signings has depleted the roster of depth and talent.  Fortunately it seems as though Ozzie Newsome and company have righted the ship with a good 2016 offseason.  Free agents Eric Weddle and Mike Wallace were great pick ups.  The draft class has exceeded expectations with a possible stud left tackle in Ronnie Stanley, a starting quality left guard in Alex Lewis, legitimate pass rusher Matt Judon, a versatile cornerback Tavon Young capable of excelling as a slot corner or filling in outside and a playmaking running back Kenneth Dixon (although management disagrees for reasons I do not see).  Michael Pierce a undrafted free agent showed flashes in his rookie year. 

If the Ravens want to succeed in 2017 they must have an offseason similar to '16.  The first issue to address is the fate of many veterans currently on the team.  This starts with Elvis Dumervil, the aging situational pass rusher is due $8.375 million next year.  Cutting him will save the Ravens $6 million.  Another candidate is Mike Wallace due $8 million in 2017 but with no apparent replacement we seem stuck with the subpar diva.  After all with Kamar Aiken with a foot out the door and Steve Smith retired, do we really want to see Breshad Perriman as our number one receiver?  Also due for a pay cut is Lardarius Webb he will be making $7.5 million, he is an average safety at best and will need to restructure to remain on the team.   The team will need to decide whether they are willing to pay Dennis Pitta or Ben Watson.  I do not see the Ravens investing so much at that position with the young talent on the roster already.  Obvious cuts include Kendrick Lewis, Kyle Arrington and Sharrece Wright.

Clearing up up some cap space for free agency.  Of all the Ravens free agents I only see three as possibly returning.  Kyle Juszczyk, Lawerence Guy and Jerraud Powers.  Although if any team throws any money in these three guys direction it will be a farewell.  The two big free agents are Brandon Williams and Rick Wagner.  All indications point to Williams commanding more money than the Ravens can afford.  The same might be said for Wagner, the Ravens have said that offensive line is a priority so there is a chance he could be back.  The center position must be upgraded, Jeremy Zuttah has been regressing ever since the Ravens acquired him.  This year he was manhandled in run plays, if the Ravens wish to implore Greg Roman's power run game Zuttah needs to be replaced.  J.C. Tretter is an option to bring in and be an immediate upgrade.  The Ravens have a bad track record on drafting centers and recent history shows they prefer a veteran at this position.  Second if Wallace is cut WR becomes a priority and probably should be addressed regardless.  A player that would also address the need at KR is Cordarelle Patterson.

Bringing us to the Ravens draft strategy.  This years draft is deep in some of the Ravens most pressing needs of CB and Edge.  If history tells us anything it's that the Ravens love to trade back and REALLY love trading back when needs line up with draft depth.  Possible trade partners that would like to move up to get a falling QB are Texans, 49ers, Jags or Jets.  Moving back and picking up additional draft picks would be a good idea due to lack of depth and youth on the roster.  Let's say the 49ers package their second and third to move into the first round to take Deshaun Watson.  The Ravens use the 34th pick from the 9ers to take T.J. Watt to replace Doom.  With the 47th pick the Ravens address the CB position in taking Adoree Jackson.  Then with the 66th pick acquired from the 9ers the Ravens can take Webbs eventual replacement in Budda Baker.  One knock on the Ravens this year has been a lack of identity this would put a clear emphasis on defense.  Using the 78th pick to finally land an offensive player in Cooper Kupp.  The Ravens will be receiving a third round comp pick for the loss of Kelechi Osemele.  Using this to take C Pat Eflin.  Rounds 4-7 will need to be used for a new back up QB, DE, and T.

update:  with Zach Orr's unfortunate retirement the ILB position will need to be addressed.  I think the Ravens may try to find another veteran in free agency to pair with C.J. Mosley rather than draft another ILB.  Kiko Alonso would be a nice fit.