Over the last few seasons, the Baltimore Ravens have transformed into one of the NFL’s most prominent teams, thanks to star quarterback Lamar Jackson, a powerful run game, and consistent, high quality defenses. Every offseason, teams need to sign players to improve their weak areas, and this year is no different.

Let’s start with the two main acquisitions so far this offseason: Kevin Zeitler and Josh Oliver.

Zeitler, a former member of the New York Giants, inked a 3-year, $22.5 million deal with the Ravens. He will slide into the right guard slot and provide more protection for Jackson. Zeitler fits well with the Ravens offensive line because his bruising style of play will complement the Ravens’ top-ranked rushing attack. Finding a replacement for recently-retired Marshal Yanda was a priority, and the Ravens have found that in Zeitler.

Oliver was acquired by the Ravens in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A third-round pick back in 2019, Oliver has been plagued by injuries so far in his short, 2-year career. In four career games, he has three catches for fifteen years. The Ravens tight end room is crowded with Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle serving as the headliners, but if Oliver can prove himself in training camp, he certainly will have a good shot of making the team come Week 1.

While the Ravens added two solid players, they also lost some key assets. Mark Ingram II, Matthew Judon, Matt Skura, Morgan Cox, Yannick Ngakoue, and several others have moved on to new teams. This has created some much-needed holes to fill on the roster, and it is up to general manager Eric DeCosta and others to improve the team through free agency.

One glaring need, and perhaps the most important for the Ravens, is a wide receiver. Their top three receivers are all young and promising players: Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, and Devin Duvernay. Outside of these three, there is not a wide receiver on the roster that is a different maker or one that makes fans feel excited. Sadly, the Ravens missed out on the top two free-agent wide receivers this year: Allen Robinson and Kenny Golladay.

The team has shown interest in former Chiefs wideout Sammy Watkins. While he isn’t a #1 receiver, he could provide some leadership in the locker room and contribute on the field. Until the Ravens find their true #1 wide receiver, they will rely on Mark Andrews to carry the load and hope that Brown, Boykin, and others keep developing into trusted NFL wide receivers.

Featured Image courtesy of Dave Adamson via Unsplash