Offseason Acquistions: Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens went 9-7 last year.  A lot of their continued success has to do with the way they continue to reload their defense and rely on their power offense.  They still brought in players this offseason like CB Travis Fischer, S Ken Hamlin, and rookies OLB Sergio Kindle and big DT Terrence Cody to help the defense.  But, to give 3rd year QB “Delaware” Joe Flacco more weapons on the outside the Ravens also traded for WR Anquan Boldin and signed ex-Brown, Saint, and Eagle Donte’ Stallwortth.

Baltimore also realized that being in a power offense you have to have good tight end play as well.  Todd Heap has been the starter in Baltimore for 9 years, but in the last two full seasons has a total of 88 receptions and 9 TDs.  While that’s not bad, the team had to infuse some youth to play alongside the 30 year old.  That’s why in 2010 draft the Ravens selected the position with back-to-back picks.  In the 3rd Round at number 70 overall they selected Ed Dickson out of Oregon.  Dennis Pitta was drafted by Baltimore with the 114th pick and impressed many scouts with his pass catching skills while at BYU.

The Ravens defensive backfield has struggled since parting ways with long-time corner Chris McCallister a couple years ago and bringing in players like Samari Rolle (whom the team released in April) and Dominique Foxworth (who had a career high 4 ints last season).  Ed Reed is still one of the best safeties in the league.  But, the Ravens needed help at corner.  So, they brought in long-time Bear veteran Walt Harris and ex-Ram Travis Fischer. Ken  Hamlin was signed to potentially start alongside Ed Reed at safety and DE Corey Redding was signed to help provide depth on the D-Line.

Baltimore’s major weaknesses were at receiver, tight end and in the secondary.  Again, they brought in arguably the best 2nd receiver in the league in Boldin, Stallworth, and 5th round draft selection David Reed from Utah.  They drafted two tight ends.  They signed 3 veteran potential starters in the defensive backfield.  I think they did pretty well.