Baltimore Ravens Season Preview: Defensive Breakdown

This article is the second in a continuous series previewing the Baltimore Ravens season. Here is a breakdown of the Ravens’ defensive players.

Defensive Line: Haloti Ngata, Chris Canty, Brandon Williams, DeAngelo Tyson, Timmy Jernigan

Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (92) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Every single player the Ravens have on the defensive line can flat out ball.

Haloti Ngata and Chris Canty have had great careers and have enough left in the tank to be impact players yet again. A drop off from either is possible, but they should both still be plus defenders.

The story, though, is Brandon Williams. Williams was a certified monster in the preseason, tossing aside offensive linemen like rag dolls. Having added even more strength to his already monstrous frame, Williams will prove a nightmare for opposing offenses. He may end up the jewel of the Ravens’ 2013 draft class.

Though the Ravens only have two linemen behind the starters, both are excellent players.

DeAngelo Tyson always impresses in his limited reps. He is a high-effort player who excels at stopping the run and offers a surprisingly strong pass rush. For a former seventh-round pick, Tyson has been excellent.

As a second-round pick, Timmy Jernigan will be expected to contribute right away, and he seems up to the task. Jernigan excels at using his squat frame and good athleticism to sneak into the backfield. He wreaked havoc on a regular basis in the preseason and should flash that same upside during the regular season.

Five linemen is not enough for depth purposes, but the group the Ravens currently have is excellent.