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Baltimore Ravens: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rolls out to pass during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rolls out to pass during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images /

2. Decisions at linebacker

Last offseason, Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end and longtime Ravens’ executive Ozzie Newsome conducted his final draft with the organization. He did some wheeling and dealing and the Ravens wound up with an NFL-high 12 selections last April. It was evident that he was laying the foundation for the future.

Now this year, new general manager Eric DeCosta still has a tall task ahead and that’s even before the collegiate selection process occurs in a little over two months. The team has a trio of talented linebackers, all of whom could test free agency on March 13. Along with middle man C.J. Mosley, there are outside defenders in ageless Terrell Suggs and four-year pro Za’Darius Smith. Could the Ravens slap the franchise tag on Mosley, a four-time Pro Bowler who’s totaled 100-plus tackle in all but one of his five NFL campaigns? It’s certainly a possibility.

As for Suggs and Smith, the former has been one of the most relentless defenders in the league since his first pro season in 2003. There have been 132.5 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 21 takeaways and seven Pro Bowl invitations. This past season, Smith led the club with a career-best 8.5 sacks and has a total of 18.5 quarterback traps in 58 regular-season outings.

Can the Ravens keep all three players? And is that the plan going forward as Suggs enters his 17th NFL season? This could be one of the more fascinating things to watch during free agency.

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