Ravens Among Top Rosters in NFL for 2023?
The Baltimore Ravens are heading into the 2023 NFL Season with a great deal of optimism, as well as lofty expectations.
From re-signing their franchise quarterback to securing the services of a top-flight wide receiver, the Ravens are likely to field one of pro football’s most exciting rosters this season.
In fact, Baltimore was recently ranked by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as having the eighth-best roster in the NFL, as organized team activities (OTAs) begin throughout the NFL.
Unsurprisingly, the Ravens were lauded for their potentially explosive offense, in light of the re-signing of quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, the team also drafted Boston College standout Zay Flowers with pick No. 22 in the first round of last month’s draft to add some versatility out of the slot. Finally, they added the services of free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, who when healthy, is capable of being an elite perimeter presence.
While Baltimore’s pass-catching ability will be much improved from 2022, PFF identified the running game as their biggest strength — starting with, but not limited to, Jackson.
“This Ravens offense continues to boast one of the game’s top rushing attacks,” PFF wrote. “Not only is Jackson among the best running quarterbacks in football, but the team is also deep at the running back position with the likes of J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill set to return in 2023.”
Though they were careful to acknowledge that Baltimore’s roster is devoid of any glaring deficiencies, they did cite their pass rush as an area that may benefit from an upgrade before the regular season opens on Sept. 10. Beyond linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, the Ravens may be banking a bit more on promise, as opposed to prowess.
“The only returning Ravens defensive linemen to record a 70.0-plus pass-rush grade last season are David Ojabo and Michael Pierce, neither of whom reached 100 total snaps due to injury,” mentioned PFF. “The Ravens are banking on developmental players like Ojabo and 2021 first-rounder Odafe Oweh to take big leaps forward in 2023.”
Ultimately, the Ravens improvements on offense apparently outweighed any defensive concerns. PFF estimated that the team should exceed their projected win total of 8.5 in the upcoming season.
“With Lamar Jackson back in the fold, the Ravens will once again have one of the most dynamic offenses in the game,” they declared. “And with a full season of Roquan Smith on the defensive side of the ball, yards will be hard to come by against the team.”
Accordingly, Ravens fans hope that PFF’s projection leads to a memorable year in Charm City.
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