Baltimore Ravens Season Preview: Defensive Breakdown

Linebackers: Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley, Daryl Smith, Elvis Dumervil,  Arthur Brown, Zach Orr, Albert McClellan, Pernell McPhee, Courtney Upshaw

Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocks Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Baltimore beat Dallas 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Any conversation surrounding the Ravens’ linebackers begins with the absurd quantity of them. As of this writing, the Ravens have nine linebackers, including five inside linebackers. Note that number decreased one since the release of Josh Bynes.

The group includes high draft picks from each of the past three years in C.J. Mosley, Arthur Brown and Courtney Upshaw. Mosley and Upshaw should get plenty of reps while Brown continues to be groomed to eventually take over for Daryl Smith.

Unfortunately, Upshaw and Brown have yet to live up to expectations. Upshaw is a quality run defender, but has given no indication that he will ever become a feared pass rusher. Brown, meanwhile, needs to prove he can get off blocks.

As for Mosley, he looked like a rookie in the preseason. A very active rookie, but still a rookie. He struggled to get off blocks and his range was not as good as expected. Most analysts still remain high on him, however.

Daryl Smith, Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are all legitimate stars. When healthy, Suggs and Dumervil can terrorize opposing quarterbacks, and Suggs is a top-tier run defender as well. Smith, meanwhile, struggled in run defense a year ago, but is among the best coverage linebackers in the NFL. With an improved defensive line in front of him, Smith could become a force in the ground game again as well.

Pernell McPhee had a tremendous training camp and preseason. His strength and motor make him a threat on every play. His versatility to play every position from defensive tackle to outside linebacker makes him a fun toy for defensive coordinator Dean Pees to play with. Expect a career year from McPhee.

On the inside, McClellan is a thumper who provides solid depth and excellent special teams play. Zach Orr will only see the field on special teams this year.