Making matters worse for Ravens fans, the Ravens’ AFC North rivals all had one edge rusher finish in the top 10: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers), and Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals).
However, it’s not as if NFL decision-makers think the Ravens are without any pass-rush talent.
In Fowler’s poll for the top 10 defensive tackles, Ravens star Justin Madubuike finished fifth. Madubuike led the Ravens in sacks last year with 13.
Still, these evaluations are something to keep in mind as the Ravens head into the 2024 season.
Repeating their success on defense was already in question after defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald became the Seattle Seahawks head coach and after key player departures like Clowney and linebacker Patrick Queen.
With training camp approaching, there is still time for the Ravens to make more additions.
They have plenty of holes to fill in, but they may want some more proven edge rushers.
One of the major storylines in the NFL this season will be whether the 30-year-old Derrick Henry can continue to play at a high level.
He was one of the Baltimore Ravens’ key offseason additions, and if he continues to be one of the NFL’s top running backs, Baltimore is going to be scary this season.
At least one veteran NFL coach believes Henry will remain a menace.
“He’s a warrior,” they told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Monday.
“Just keeps himself in such good physical conditioning with offseason workouts.
I don’t see him slowing down over the next two years.
He’s a volume back with great size, breaks tackles, has deceptive speed and no one’s really catching him if he gets going. I don’t think he’s lost a step.”
No running back in football has been as consistent as Henry over the past six seasons.
In that period he’s rushed for over 1,000 yards five times, over 2,000 yards once and has reached double-digit rushing touchdowns six straight times.
One note of potential concern, however, is his massive workload during that time.
He’s logged at least 230 touches in six straight seasons, including three campaigns with over 300 carries.
