NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot
By Joe Schiller
22. Baltimore Ravens
Standing at the podium during his end of the season press conference, owner Steve Bisciotti urged media and fans that the Ravens would make a splash in free agency. The first few days provided little to no confidence in that regard. A team desperate to improve one of the worst passing attacks last season watched Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins and the rest of the top receivers head elsewhere.
As a result, Ozzie Newsome signed an injury-riddled John Brown and threw the entire checkbook at an unproven Ryan Grant.
The start of free agency seemed like a nightmare for the Ravens but they caught a break. Grant surprisingly failed his physical with an apparent ankle injury, voiding his four-year, $29M contract. Coincidentally enough, Michael Crabtree was released by the Raiders after the team signed Jordy Nelson. Like the Ravens have a track record of doing, they quickly scooped up Crabtree on a three-year deal, salvaging some help for Joe Flacco.
It’s hard to believe the Ravens are done targeting pass catchers but only a few names left on the free agent market provide any legitimate help. The best bet to revamp the wide receiver core is through the draft but it’s a position the Ravens have rarely struck gold on. Take Breshad Perriman as the latest example.
The defense is still among the best but with an aging Joe Flacco under center and limited weapons, it’s hard to see the Ravens playoff bound. They still have work to do before getting back to their old selves under head coach John Harbaugh.