Who Can Help Ravens Get Over Super Bowl Hump Next Year?
The Baltimore Ravens were "that close" to a trip to Super Bowl LVIII, and now, after the Kansas City Chiefs have claimed the prize, it's time to start building for next season.
The NFL free agency period starts next month, then, before you know it, the NFL Draft will be upon us in late April.
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Media outlet Ebony Bird thinks the following three players could help Baltimore get over the Super Bowl hump in 2024 and hoist the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans.
G Nick Allegretti
"Allegretti has done more than anyone in Kansas City could have hoped for as a seventh-round pick, as the former Illinois standout has been a true chameleon on the offensive line who fits in whenever anyone suffers an injury. He may have made himself a ton of money in the Super Bowl."
Depth along the offensive line is never a bad thing. The Chiefs dealt with injuries and missed guard Joe Thuney in the playoffs. A quality offensive lineman was able to step in and help the Chiefs to another Super Bowl title.
DT Javon Kinlaw
"After a solid rookie season, Kinlaw played just 10 games in two years and saw his potential ebb away. He mustered 3.5 sacks this season, but he's totaled just five in four seasons. Still, 2023 was the best season of his career, and his knee issues seem to be a thing of the past."
Like the offensive line, depth along the defensive line is paramount for a successful playoff run, and having quality players who can get to the quarterback from the defensive interior is a bonus on most rosters.
LB Willie Gay
"The Ravens, who need to figure out if they will pay big money to former first-round pick Patrick Queen this offseason, aren't the only Super Bowl favorite with some linebacker depth issues. Kansas City has both Gay and free agent standout Drue Tranquill hitting free agency.
"The versatility Tranquill brings to the table might be enough to give him priority, and youngster Leo Chenal's role keeps growing. This would leave an opening for Gay to go elsewhere, and Baltimore could use a player with championship experience and a history of making big plays in the postseason."
I'll disagree here. If the Ravens can keep Queen paired with Roquan Smith then that's my first choice. Baltimore declined his fifth-year option, making Queen a free agent next month. I'm still not really clear on why, unless it was a salary issue. But Queen proved to be an integral part of the Ravens' defense last season and needs to be back over just about any other option.
