Baltimore Ravens: 2015 Linebacker Grades

has always been under appreciated in Baltimore despite doing exactly what is asked of him in the Ravens defense. His role is one that does not post big numbers, but is crucial to the game plan. His job is to set the edge and he’s done that very well for Dean Pees.

The problem with Upshaw is that he has never been a threat as a pass rusher. He has just five sacks in his four-year career, and the Ravens were hopeful that those numbers would have drastically increased with Suggs out if the picture. Upshaw did not record a sack until Week 10 and his second came against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Week 15 win. When you are the 35th pick in the draft, you’re expected to have five sacks a season, not in four years.

The lack of statistical numbers in a contract year cost Upshaw some money this offseason. He might have more value to the Ravens than any other team, so his future could come down to what price the team offers. We will find out soon what route the Ravens go when free agency begins next month.