Baltimore Ravens: 3 Bargain targets still available in 2019 NFL free agency

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after getting tackled against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive pass broken up at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

1. OLB Shane Ray (Denver Broncos)

When you think of the Baltimore Ravens, defense immediately comes to mind. This past season, John Harbaugh’s squad allowed the fewest total yards in the league, was fourth vs. the run and fifth vs. the pass. While this unit has some ups and downs, it was still a big reason the team returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Led by coordinator Don Martindale, the Ravens surrendered only 32 offensive touchdowns. But one noticeable difference from the previous year was the fact that John Harbaugh’s team managed to forced only 17 turnovers. That was exactly half as many as Baltimore managed in 2017, when it led the NFL with 34 takeaways.

This will certainly be a different unit in 2019. Safety Eric Weddle was released and latched on with the Los Angeles Rams. Four-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker C.J. Mosely signed with the New York Jets. And a club that produced 43 sacks this past year will no longer have ageless Terrell Suggs (7) and talented Za’Darius Smith (8.5) at outside linebacker. That duo combined for 15.5 QB traps.

Next. Full 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft. dark

While his career has been plagued by injuries, general manager Eric DeCosta could take a chance on former Denver Broncos’ first-round pick Shane Ray. He’s been limited to a total of 19 games and managed only two sacks these past two seasons after playing in every contest in 2016 and finishing with eight QB traps. He could be a nice addition spelling young performers such as Matt Judon (seven sacks in 2018), Tim Williams and Kenny Young.

Home/Baltimore Ravens