Baltimore Ravens: Midseason Grades for Every Player

Outside Linebackers

Oct 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after a safety in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Elvis Dumervil – A

The Ravens have a three-headed monster at outside linebacker, and Elvis Dumervil has been the biggest head with seven sacks in eight games. Dumervil has been incredible rushing the passer, even when he doesn’t get the sack. His 28 pressures this season rank second on the team.

Though Dumervil is not a force in the ground game, he’s not a liability either. He has probably been the Ravens’ most steady player at outside linebacker.

Terrell Suggs – B+

Forget that Terrell Suggs has just 3.5 sacks this season, he hasn’t slowed down a bit. The fiery leader of the Ravens’ defense is still an elite (if overly aggressive) run defender and above-average pass rusher. Few players bring the passion and aggression to the game that Suggs does, making him perhaps the single most indispensable player on the Ravens’ defense.

Pernell McPhee – A+

Pernell McPhee consistently flashed huge upside throughout his first couple of years in the league. Now, he is making good on the promise he displayed with a monster season. His four sacks are second on the team and his 30 pressures are first, as McPhee has been an unblockable terror.

Perhaps the most impressive facet of McPhee’s game is his versatility. McPhee has shown the ability to rush standing up or with his hand in the dirt, and he can rush from the inside or the edge. With his versatility, the Ravens can rush all three of their great outside linebackers at once, combining to create one of the most fearsome fronts in the NFL.

Courtney Upshaw – C

Courtney Upshaw has been a marginally productive role player for the Ravens throughout his career. He is a decent edge setter in run defense and an abysmal pass rusher. He certainly does well enough in his role, but as a second-round pick, Upshaw has to be considered at least somewhat a disappointment. This season has not changed that.