As much as everybody loves backups, readers were anxiously waiting to see where their favorite starters ended up on these rankings of the Baltimore Ravens roster. The wait is over. In order of importance, here are the 24 most important players to the Baltimore Ravens.
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Starters
24. Sam Koch, P
Sam Koch had a career year last year, setting a career high in net average by far (43.3 yards, up from his previous career high of 42). He remains steady.
23. Kyle Juszczyk
In his first year as a starter, Kyle Juszczyk was a solid blocker and a reliable target out of the backfield. Fumbles were an issue, though. If he gets that under control, Juszczyk could be a long-term starter in Baltimore.
22. Kendrick Lewis, FS
That Kendrick Lewis is considered a free safety is a little surprising, as he is actually better at defending the run than the pass. Still, he’s a steady veteran presence in a safety group that desperately needed one.
21. Breshad Perriman, WR
Considering how the Ravens’ receiving corps has shaken out this offseason, Breshad Perriman seems likely to begin his career as the starter. He has a lot to prove in terms of technical skills, but there is no denying his athleticism. A Kelvin Benjamin-esque rookie year, full of big plays and the occasional head-scratching mistake, would be a realistic expectation.
20. Timmy Jernigan, DT
Timmy Jernigan played exceedingly well in spot action last year. His role will increase greatly, so how he handles the increased reps will be key for him this year. Being part of what should be a pretty good rotation will help his cause.
19. Chris Canty, DE
Most likely, Chris Canty’s role will decline even more this year, but his steady veteran leadership can’t be overstated. Canty is a valued member of the Ravens’ locker room, so bringing him back was big. He can still penetrate very well to boot.
18. Jeremy Zuttah, C
Jeremy Zuttah was a huge upgrade over Gino Gradkowski at the center position last year, providing excellent run blocking. He wasn’t quite as good pass blocking.
17. Dennis Pitta, TE
Look, if Dennis Pitta was definitely healthy, he’s one of the most valuable players on this team. But nobody can be confident in his hip anymore. That he’s out on the practice field is great news, but it’s a long road from here.
16. Rick Wagner, T
Even the most optimistic prognosticators did not foresee Rick Wagner playing like a Pro Bowler last year in his first year as a starter. A year in an NFL weight program did him wonders, as Wagner went from a skilled but weak backup to a technically-sound mauler. Proving last year wasn’t a fluke is the only thing Wagner has yet to do.
15. Lardarius Webb, CB
After dealing with a back injury early in the year, Lardarius Webb never quite looked like himself. His health is always in question. If he stays healthy, though, Webb could be a plus player this year. The skills are always there: He just needs the health and the increased athleticism that comes with it.
14. Eugene Monroe, T
Eugene Monroe had a down year last year. There’s no way around that, and he needs to rebound this year. There is plenty of reason to believe he can, as he was playing hurt for most of last year.
13. Justin Forsett, RB
Forsett was one of the best stories in the NFL last year. I can’t think of a player having a breakout year so late in his career the way Forsett did, and now he will be used even more in the passing game, which suits his skillset well. Forsett is a top-notch blocker and a quality receiver.
12. Steve Smith Sr., WR
When Steve Smith wanted to, he could really bring it last year (see the Panthers and Saints games). He disappeared far too often, though, and looked his age at times. Expect something similar this year, with some big games and some disappearances. Still, he has been a great mentor for Michael Campanaro and should be one for Breshad Perriman as well.
11. Will Hill, S
If he can stay out of trouble, Will Hill can be one of the best safeties in the league. He is an incredibly steady player who is just as good against the pass and the run. Another off-field issue this offseason, though, doesn’t bode well for the talented DB. It’s telling that the Ravens did not need to put a first-round tender on one of the most talented safeties in the league.
10. Kelechi Osemele, G
Last year was the breakout year everyone expected from Kelechi Osemele, as he was an absolute mauler in both the run and passing games. Some technical lapses aside, Osemele proved to be a plus player and a future Pro Bowler.
9. Daryl Smith, LB
As steady as a player can be, Daryl Smith was excellent last year. He is among the best coverage linebackers in the game, and he played well in the ground game last year after struggling in that regard in 2013. Having Brandon Williams dominating offensive linemen certainly helped.
8. Justin Tucker, K
Justin Tucker has nailed so many huge kicks in his career that fans may start taking him for granted. With the game on the line, there is no kicker I’d rather have than Tucker.
7. Brandon Williams, NT
Dominating nose tackles are a rare breed in today’s NFL, making Brandon Williams a hot commodity. He had some of his best games against the Steelers, which is always a great sign, and he absolutely dominated in the ground game. Another pass rush move or two would make Williams an all-pro.
6. C.J. Mosley, LB
C.J. Mosley was a lot like Brandon Williams last year in that he dominated in the ground game but needed some work in the passing game. He made so many splash plays, though, that Mosley can be forgiven for the occasional lapse in coverage. At no point did he look like a rookie last year, so Year 2 should be even better.
Stars
5. Terrell Suggs, OLB
Arguably the most well-rounded 3-4 outside linebacker in the game, Terrell Suggs is a top-tier edge rusher and edge setter. As his athleticism starts to recede, Suggs has gotten even stronger and has shown some new moves as a pass rusher.
4. Jimmy Smith, CB
In terms of importance, there may not be a more critical player on the Ravens than Jimmy Smith, who is among the best cornerbacks in the league. After breaking out in a big way in 2013, Smith carried that over to 2014 until injuring his foot. Getting healthy is key for him.
3. Elvis Dumervil, OLB
Though Dumervil won’t play as many snaps as Terrell Suggs this year, his pass rushing makes him among the most valuable players in the league. His ability to bull rush and speed to get around the edge make Dumervil among the hardest to block players in the game.
2. Marshal Yanda, G
Still in the prime of what should be a Hall of Fame career, Marshal Yanda remains the best offensive lineman in the game. He mauls in the ground game and stonewalls in the passing game. Best of all, Yanda can play tackle as well, and he is one of the best tackles in the game to boot.
1. Joe Flacco, QB
Like it or not, Joe Flacco is the face of the franchise. And he has earned that right. Last year was Flacco’s best as a pro, and even though he always has two or three absolutely dreadful games a year, Flacco always brings his A-game in the biggest games. Gary Kubiak‘s offense was a great fit for Flacco, and Trestman should only build on that. Expect big things from the big quarterback this year.
Shawn began his writing career with Bleacher Report as a Ravens featured columnist and Breaking News Team writer. He moved on to write for Yahoo! and work on the Ravens Central Radio podcast. Most recently, he was an Editor at the Baltimore Wire. Shawn is a 2013 graduate of the Catholic University of America.