Baltimore Ravens: 5 offseason needs

4. Find a partner for C.J. Mosley

He may not be Ray Lewis but C.J. Mosley has been a fantastic inside linebacker for the Ravens the past four seasons. In Don Martindale’s 4-3 defense, Mosley hasn’t been the problem in the middle, it’s been his counterpart. The Ravens have suffered through different options and haven’t seemed to found the right fit. Much of the offseason attention will focus on the offensive side of the ball and rightfully so, but improving the middle linebacker position is a need.

Zach Orr looked to be the missing piece next to Mosley last season but that ended on short notice. Orr was diagnosed with a congenital neck injury and was forced to retire after just three seasons. This season, second-year undrafted linebacker Patrick Onwuasor eventually won the starting job but there’s room for improvement. Onwuasor isn’t the ideal candidate next to Mosley because of his size. At just 6-0, 217 pounds, Onwuasor is undersized. The Ravens struggled heavily in pass defense, especially against tight ends and that was a factor.

The defense can do with Onwuasor for another season but with Martindale specializing in linebackers, it wouldn’t be surprising if he wanted to upgrade the position. Whether that’s in-house or this offseason has yet to be seen. Rookie Bam Bradley could be a candidate to step in, after missing most of his first season with a torn ACL. Free agency or the draft will also provide the Ravens with more options to explore.

After all, it was the defense that ultimately let up Tyler Boyd’s game-winning 49-yard touchdown in Week 17. It’s a side of the ball that can always be improved.