The Baltimore Ravens was playing well enough last season to be in striking distance of the Super Bowl, but a dropped Lee Evans touchdown and a 32-yard missed field goal allowed the New England Patriots to sneak in and win the AFC Championship Game. Now the Ravens' fans have to wonder if Ray Lewis and the defense still have what it takes to make another run at a ring in 2012. With a 12-4 record last year, Baltimore took home the No. 2 seed in the AFC and won the AFC North, but all of that is irrelevant now. What the Ravens need to focus on is putting together a team that can contend in 2012. Here are some of the Ravens' big additions and subtractions so far in the offseason, plus a breakdown of their biggest needs heading into the NFL Draft.
Additions:
Super Bowl 2012
S Sean Considine
CB Corey Graham
Subtractions:
DE/OLB Jarret Johnson
G Ben Grubbs
DE/DT Cory Redding
SS Tom Zbikowski
WR Lee Evans
CB Domonique Foxworth
CB Chris Carr
NT Brandon McKinney
Top 5 Needs:
1. Wide Receiver
The Ravens expected too much from Lee Evans last season and he was a major disappointment. As a result, Evans and the team parted ways this offseason. Torrey Smith emerged as legitimate deep threat but, sadly, he isn't versatile enough for anything else. Veteran Anquan Boldin still has some juice left in his game, but his skills are on the decline. Baltimore needs to really shore up the offense by adding some wide outs. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill and South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery should really be in consideration in the draft's first round.
2. Guard/Center
Although the Ravens were able to bring back center Matt Birk for 2012, they were unable to do the same with left guard Ben Grubbs, as he left for the New Orleans Saints in free agency. Birk could very well retire at season's end, so while the team needs to prioritize a replacement for Grubbs at guard, it also needs to look into adding someone who will be ready to take over at center.
3. Offensive Tackle
Bryant McKinnie is one of the older veterans of the team, as he will turn 33 in September, and his game is now on quite a decline. Right tackle Michael Oher looks to slide back into McKinnie's left tackle spot when the time comes for the Ravens to find a replacement, but the team is in dire need of added depth.
4. Outside Linebacker
When Jarrett Johnson chose to sign with the San Diego Chargers this offseason, the Ravens' need to find an outside linebacker who can put pressure on the quarterback became ultimately more pressing. Terrell Suggs can still be relied upon to do his part, but he needs some help. Sergio Kindle was drafted in the second round of the 2010 with the hopes that he could be the guy, but a freak injury derailed his entire rookie season and he was barely used last year.
5. Inside Linebacker
The Ravens can no longer avoid the inevitable any longer. Although Ray Lewis has played at a ridiculously high level despite coming up in age, the team needs to find a replacement for him at middle linebacker. He missed time due to injuries last year, and he might just miss time again this year if his usage doesn't drop. The Ravens were able to re-sign Jameel McClain, but he isn't the long-term solution. Arizona State's Vontaze Burflict could be the answer that the Ravens need if they are able to pick him in the first round.
2012 Baltimore Ravens Offseason Needs
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