[News] The Competition: Outside Linebackers

[BR News]

The Ravens have more youth at the position than last year, but the two veterans are still leading the way. Who will get reps behind them or in case of injury?

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[b93333]

A lot will depend on the pressure generated by this group. Nothing improves secondary play like a ferocious pass rush. Having Suggs and Doom on the PUP will give the youngsters an opportunity to shine. If we get the old Suggs back, motivated and in shape this will be a good year. If not, let's hope one of the new guys is ready for prime time or it will be a long year for the "D".

[Ravensfansince03]

This is probably Suggs last season guys. I'm praying he will go a full season. Will miss the guy.

[The Greek]

not sure how much this team can expect to get out of a 14 year vet in suggs. imo he will be better used on a rep count to keep him fresh. let the younger guys get involved more.

[sami]

I thought Ochi was originally drafted to play inside LB.

[ellicottraven]

We'll see who shines in training camp. Rest is academic.

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

Let Sizzle and Doom lead the group and get breaks as needed letting the younger guys come in and get some reps. The younger guys have got a great opportunity to study under 2 of the very best in the game and should do everything in their ability to make the most of it.

[mmcclend]

Its wild, I feel like alot of us (including myself) have forgotten about ZDS. Lets just hope that our rookies have similar production to his rookie year before underestimating him. I feel that he might be our most productive outside rusher.

[Ravensfan23]

44 minutes ago, mmcclend said:

Its wild, I feel like alot of us (including myself) have forgotten about ZDS. Lets just hope that our rookies have similar production to his rookie year before underestimating him. I feel that he might be our most productive outside rusher.

I feel so much more confident in Suggs or Doom going down this year and the defense still being able to withstand it because of Z. You are so right that with the injuries to both Suggs and Doom along with the addition of the new guys people have gotten the fact that Z finished the season on such a high note. I'm really excited about him this season. 

I'm very much interesting in seeing who takes over that Upshaw role on early downs because Doom isn't meant to play a lot of snaps. I would see Correa being a early down run defender then sliding inside to ILB in sub packages. I coud see Judon being that guy, our maybe even Z playing that early down role. I just think both Suggs and Doom should be used more as pass rush specialist then every down players. Both are older and have had lower body injuries. Just let those guys hunt. 

[bigcatfrank1]

Looking for KC to tear it up in the middle and move outside whenever its needed. I am picking him to be the star of the new class on D.

[bigcatfrank1]

Beyer and Z Smith are solid and will carry a big part of the weight. Sizzle and Doom will get 10+ sacks as the core. Watch for Webbie on the safety blitz!

[Crusader]

Suggs are Domervil are going to be the best part of the Ravens to watch this year.

[Maurice0094]

I'm rooting for Ochi to make this roster. If he is battling Chris Carter who has bounced around in the division, and two other undrafted rookies that have 2 yrs and is a rookie. Bring on Ochi a bonafide pass rusher, I don't want this guy to walk and become another James Harrison someplace else.

[huntrgathrr]

The LB group is clearly the weakest position group on the team and is potentially the Achilles Heel of the defense. There are just too many question marks. Letting Upshaw and Smith go may prove to be a real blunder.
First, it remains to be seen if Suggs and/or Dumervil will return healthy and can play at their pre-injury levels. The failure of one or both would be devastating.
Secondly, can Z.Smith continue to progress and set the edge for a full season playing 3 downs?
Thirdly, is Correa NFL ready and will Judon make the grade at this level? Only time will tell.
Finally, who will play next to Mosely? I'm not sold on either Orr or Brown, both of whom would have to show tremendous improvement to reach Daryl Smith's level of play.
In addition to these questions there is a serious lack of quality depth. We may end up with several less than average linebackers on the field.
The good news is that the DL and the Secondary look very strong. It might be smart to play more of a 4-3 than a 3-4 type defense given the overall quality and depth of the DL. This would help a thin LB group.
I would love to see Suggs, Dumervil and Mosley on the field performing at their prior levels. This would give the Ravens a very strong defense (probably one of the top 5 in the NFL) and make them a very difficult team to beat. It's just that this requires some good fortune on the injury front which has been sorely lacking the last 2 years.