According to ESPN, one of the Ravens’ biggest advantages over the Kansas City Chiefs, who ranked second on the list, is their main office.
DeCosta has ushered in a new era with Jackson and has shaped the Ravens into Super Bowl contenders.
In June, ESPN ranked the Ravens roster as the best according to Pro Football ratings for the 2019 season. Seven of the 13 players the Ravens sent to the 2019 Pro Bowl are still playing on their rookie contracts.
It is a good problem, but the price also worries the experts.
“This team is loaded,” wrote Louis Riddick of ESPN. “What can derail what is clearly an organization with great positive momentum is the health of its young superstar QB. He must be protected at all costs, which means not ‘changing’ who he is as a player, but being more selective and judicious as to when you are putting yourself on purpose. ”
Patrick Mahomes’ mega deal is a first-hand look at how contracts could affect a team’s future salary cap. The Ravens will have to pay several young stars soon, but DeCosta has remained confident that they are in good salary shape.
“However, the Ravens come, they should have two major assets as the 2021 league year approaches: a largely proven roster and financial flexibility,” wrote Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun. “If the salary cap remains around $ 200 million, the team could spend $ 40 million next offseason, a deal that sets the market for Stanley? An early extension for Andrews? New pieces for the linebacker? external? – and still have room for maneuver. ”
Experts believe the next step is to add more weapons to both sides of the ball.
Get a great-bodied catcher goal for Jackson early in the draft – think [Mark] Andrews with more speed, someone with catch radio to complement Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown’s speed, “wrote ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.” Matthew Judon could walk after this year, so investing in a pass-thru free agency or draft is a wise move. ”
Brown projected as one of the AFC’s most improved players
There has been a lot of anticipation surrounding Brown this offseason and expectations continue to rise for the sophomore receiver.
Cynthia Frelund of NFL.com projects that Brown will be one of the AFC’s most improved players this season.
“We have already seen glimpses of what Hollywood can do when Jackson wants to find him deeply,” Frelund wrote. “He caught three touchdowns on six deep receptions and 15 goals as a rookie in 2019. No other Ravens wide receiver had more than three total deep receptions this season, according to NGS. Baltimore’s deep passing game forecast will improve in 2020, which should mean more opportunities for Brown. ”
Each indication points to a great season. Brown looks bigger and faster after Lisfranc’s foot injury. Brown teased him during his rookie season, but he still caught 46 passes for 584 yards and seven touchdowns.
Brown’s performance in the AFC divisional round loss to the Tennessee Titans (seven catches for 126 yards) gave a glimpse of his potential in Baltimore.
Brown has spent time working with Jackson, and the two already have a connection. Now completely healthy, Brown’s speed could open the threat downfield in the Ravens’ air strike.
“Brown is the most tempting receiving prospect in team history,” Childs Walker of The Baltimore Sun’s wrote. “Now, he must demonstrate that he can withstand the NFL routine.”
“Beyond better health, Brown has another important factor for him as he tries to take advantage of that rookie performance. He and Jackson have formed one of the closest friendships on the team, and that means the MVP quarterback will be fully invested in unlocking its potential. ”
Could Jackson join the ‘Madden’ 99 club this season?
Only five players, Aaron Donald, Stephon Gilmore, Christian McCaffrey, Michael Thomas and Mahomes are in the “Madden 21” 99 overall qualifying club, but there is an argument for more.
The NFL Network “Good Morning Football” team debated which players could enter Club 99 this season and Jane Slater’s choice was Jackson.
“If he continues to run over the boys, and he has the number of touchdown passes he had last year, I can see Jackson 100 percent raising the ratings and possibly joining that club 99,” Slater said.
