Baltimore Ravens: Top Five Offseason Needs

Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee (90) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Young Pass Rusher

The Ravens’ pass rush is phenomenal right now, with “right now” being the operative phrase. Terrell Suggs is 32 with a lot of wear on his tires, Elvis Dumervil is 30 and Pernell McPhee is on an expiring contract. With that in mind, the lack of a developmental pass rusher is clearly a problem with this roster.

There is no telling what kind of contract McPhee will get and whether it will be the Ravens who sign him this offseason, but either way, the Ravens would be very wise to spend at least one draft pick on a pass rusher.

And though all of the Ravens’ best edge rushers are outside linebackers, the Ravens could look to the defensive line for that pass rushing help as well. Shawn Oakman will probably go too high for the Ravens to select, but he is an example of the kind of big, athletic defensive end who can set the edge in a 3-4 scheme yet still rush the passer.

Whatever position proves the best value, the Ravens need to draft or sign at least one player with some pure pass rushing ability.