NFL training camp: Best battle to watch for each team
By John Buhler
Baltimore Ravens: Tyus Bowser, Matt Judon, Za’Darius Smith
With a favorable schedule and being a step-up franchise overall, the Baltimore Ravens will definitely be in the mix for an AFC playoff spot, contending for either wild card berth or even the AFC North crown with the arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore should have a solid defense this fall, but does have some holes to address.
With pass rusher Elvis Dumervil joining Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers, there is a major void opposite of future Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs coming off the Baltimore edge. Nose tackle Brandon Williams is an emerging star up front on Dean Pees defense, but who is going to wreak havoc in the middle of the field besides an aging Suggs?
Seeing inside linebacker Zach Orr retire then decide to come back but not for the Ravens isn’t great. What is great for the Ravens is that they’ll have an interesting trio of edge players to work with this fall: rookie Tyus Bowser, Matt Judon and Za’Darius Smith.
Smith is the more seasoned of the three, playing two NFL seasons with the Ravens. He has 50 career tackles and 6.5 quarterback sacks. Judon had a productive rookie year in 2016. He had 27 tackles and 4.5 quarterback sacks. Bowser comes in with great pass as the Ravens’ second round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Smith has the experience, Judon might be the most productive and Bowser has the most upside. Either way, Baltimore can afford the loss of Dumervil if even one of these guys rises to the occasion in training camp.