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PFF Gives Debatable Grade For Ravens Offseason
Main Photo: Brent Skeen USA Today Sports

PFF Gives Debatable Grade For Ravens Offseason

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham, Managing Editor  |  Last updated 6/25/23

While there are still a few interesting free agents remaining on the open market, the vast majority of the Baltimore Ravens offseason moves have already been made. With that in mind, PFF’s Sam Monson recently released offseason grades for all 32 teams and gave the Ravens a “B”, which is certainly an interesting choice.

PFF Gives Baltimore Ravens “B” Offseason Grade

The Rationale

You can’t talk about the Ravens offseason without discussing the Lamar Jackson contract. While it was a bumpy road, Baltimore ultimately came to terms with their franchise quarterback, and Monson applauds them for that. Not only did they agree to a contract, but the Ravens “drew a line in the sand, refused to replicate the fully guaranteed contract Deshaun Watson received, and dared Jackson to find the deal anywhere else.”

The Ravens hardball approach to the quarterback position paid off, but it’s far from their only risky offseason gamble. Monson calls the signing of Odell Beckham “interesting,” but also notes that the glaring need at receiver may have forced the teams’ hand.

Moving on to the 2023 NFL Draft, the PFF analyst does not appear to be thrilled with Baltimore’s selections. Monson called Zay Flowers “a nice fit, even if the first round was higher than I would have personally drafted him.” He continues to say that “this draft felt some way short of Baltimore’s usual standard,” but acknowledged that seventh-round pick Andrew Vorhees was “a steal.”

Is This Ravens Offseason Grade Justified?

Throughout the early parts of the offseason, the Ravens (understandably) had one of the lowest offseason grades across the league. At the time, it appeared as though Baltimore was going to lose Lamar Jackson, and the uncertainty surrounding his contract made it impossible to sign big-name free agents.

However, the team finally started making big moves in April, and each one has a wide range of outcomes. At his best, Lamar Jackson is an MVP-caliber player, but injuries are a real concern after he missed 10 games in the past two seasons. Odell Beckham, meanwhile, received an absurd amount of guaranteed money despite being on the wrong side of 30 and missing the entirety of the 2022 season. While he was a crucial part of the 2021 Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl run, it’s hard to imagine a world where he justified his current contract.

Ultimately, the Ravens offseason is not yet done, and they could improve their grade by going after one of the top remaining free agents. Even if Beckham recaptures his 2021 form and Zay Flowers hits the ground running, the Ravens still need a perimeter threat that can win in contested situations. DeAndre Hopkins is a perfect fit for this type of role, and his relatively lackluster market means that the team could probably afford his services.

Even if the team doesn’t go after Hopkins, the Ravens offseason is probably the hardest in the league to grade. If Jackson stays healthy, Beckham plays up to his potential, and the young defense continues to improve, then this team can compete for a division title. However, if Jackson gets hurt and Beckham plays like his age, then this could be yet another long season for the Ravens.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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