Tag: Eric DeCosta

Ravens were the biggest winners from Yannick Ngakoue trade

The Baltimore Ravens got everything they needed when they traded for Yannick Ngakoue, albeit at a significantly reduced price.

The Baltimore Ravens pulled off a blockbuster trade, seemingly out of nowhere, when they acquired former Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Initial reactions are that this is a huge trade for the Ravens. But when looking at all the details and what Baltimore really got, they’re the big winners of the trade.

The Vikings had traded for Ngakoue just a few weeks ago, sending a second-round pick and conditional fifth-round pick to the Jaguars to make it happen. Only a few games later and Baltimore paid significantly less to put him in a different purple jersey, paying just a third-round and conditional fifth-round pick for Ngakoue’s services. Amazingly, this is shortly after general manager Eric DeCosta was able to fleece Minnesota for a fifth-round pick for a backup kicker last year, who the Vikings ended up cutting before he played a regular-season snap for them.

In return for the two mid-round picks, the Ravens got one of the most productive pass rushers in the league. Over his four previous seasons, Ngakoue was responsible for 37.5 sacks and 85 quarterback hits, averaging just over nine sacks and 21 quarterback hits a season. According to Pro Football Focus, Ngakoue has the fourth-most quarterback hits among all edge rushers over those four seasons. In just six games this season, Ngakoue has already sacked quarterbacks five times. Those five sacks are the most of any Ravens player so far this season.

But Ngakoue’s value to Baltimore isn’t just getting after the quarterback. Adding Ngakoue to a defensive line that includes former teammate Calais Campbell should allow the Ravens to get just as much pressure on quarterbacks with a four-man rush as they were getting with exotic and aggressive blitzes. That’s not to say defensive coordinator Don Martindale won’t continue to send blitzes at his opponents, but it gives Baltimore the flexibility in its defensive scheme to not have to. Ultimately, that means defensive backs won’t be left on an island in coverage, which will hopefully protect the secondary a little more from the likes of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. It’s not an overstatement to say the addition of Ngakoue will make the entire defense better.

We’re probably all thinking it at this point but it’s worth putting down on the screen for posterity’s sake . . . DeCosta is brilliant. He’s shown aggressiveness where his predecessor, Ozzie Newsome, might have held more restraint. And yet, with it comes the savviness that we’ve come to expect from the Ravens’ organization since its inception. It has some believing Baltimore’s front office is among the best in the business.

Yet, even with such a blockbuster trade that has Ravens fans as pumped as they’ve been all year long, DeCosta hinted at more to come. In his statement following the trade for Ngakoue, DeCosta said, “Finally, we are not finished building this team, as we continue to chase our ultimate goals.”

With the success of the Marcus Peters trade last season and now this move for another premiere defensive player in Ngakoue, Baltimore continues to signal its intent on another Super Bowl birth, no matter what.

Full speed ahead.

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Instant analysis of Ravens trade for Yannick Ngakoue

The Baltimore Ravens have traded for Pro Bowl pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, pulling off another improbable and masterful trade.

The Baltimore Ravens are finalizing a trade for former Jacksonville Jaguars and current Minnesota Vikings defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Without beating around the bush, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has cemented his legacy with yet another impressive statement trade.

Just like last season when Baltimore’s secondary was struggling, DeCosta swoops in with an amazing trade that immediately strengthens the unit. In this case, the Ravens picked up a Pro Bowl pass rusher who is off to a fantastic start to this season, grew up in the area, and offers long-term upside because of his age.

This is exactly what Baltimore needed to take its defense to the next level. While the secondary has been playing lights-out football this season, the inconsistent pass rush has needed to be bolstered through heavy and aggressive blitzing by defensive coordinator Don Martindale. Though an impressive feat itself, having so many defensive backs with sacks is indicative of a bigger problem with the pass rush.

Perhaps more importantly, the addition of Ngakoue should allow Martindale to rush just four or five players instead of sending overload blitzes regularly. If a four-man rush can get to the quarterback consistently, that will allow the secondary to keep more players back there, making it harder for teams to throw against them. And with the way Ngakoue has performed already this season, there’s plenty of hope that a more conservative pass rush will get the job done.

Through six games, Ngakoue has five sacks, seven quarterback hits, and 11 pressures. In addition to the work Ngakoue has done getting after the quarterback, he’s also been a force elsewhere. Ngakoue has two forced fumbles and 12 combined tackles this season alone, with 16 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries (including one returned for a touchdown), and two interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown).

This was a masterful trade that will immediately make the Ravens’ defense so much better at every level. It might not fix all of Baltimore’s offensive woes but with better field position, quarterback Lamar Jackson and company should have an easier time of putting up points.

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Ravens far from perfect but there’s no need for panic yet

Though the Baltimore Ravens have had some recent struggles this season, history points to them figuring it out sooner rather than later.

Let’s be blunt here. The Baltimore Ravens haven’t looked great. They haven’t completely rekindled the play that made them the best team in the NFL in the second half of last season. The areas of weakness they had back then continue to be problems after four weeks of the 2020 NFL season, only highlighted by teams more aggressively attacking those points of contention.

For all the troubles Baltimore has right now, there’s no need to panic quite yet. The Ravens are 3-1 and still firmly in the driver’s seat with regards to the division and their playoff hopes. They have the reigning MVP at quarterback, a strong rushing attack, and a defense that is allowing the fourth-fewest points in the league. That alone is a winning strategy that has seen plenty of teams hoist a Lombardi Trophy. But there’s even more hope for this Baltimore team moving forward.

Let’s use our time machine to go way back to this point last year. If you remember correctly, the boo birds were out in force about quarterback Lamar Jackson and this entire team. Baltimore sat at 2-2 on the season, looking as defeated as the scoreboard said they were in back-to-back major losses.

But everything changed quickly. The coaching staff adjusted the roster and depth chart, completely altering the look of the defense in the process. Over a few weeks span, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta cut Tim Williams and traded Kenny Young, while adding L.J. Fort, Jihad Ward, Josh Bynes, Justin Ellis, De’Anthony Thomas, and Marcus Peters.

In turn, the defense went from one of the worst units in the NFL to the best seemingly overnight. With the defense playing at a higher level, the offense followed suit. Suddenly, the Ravens went from a major question mark to completely dominating playoff teams every single week.

Now, this isn’t to say the same thing will happen this year. There might not be enough cap space to make those types of sweeping changes, or the right players available via trade, or the willingness to make such a dramatic change. But Baltimore has certainly proven time and again it is capable of transforming itself into a completely different team in the middle of a season. And right now, the Ravens are in a far better situation than at this time last year.

Sure, there are plenty of areas worthy of concern and critique. I feel you there and I’m sure the players, coaches, and front office staff would all agree. However, at 3-1 with all three wins being blowouts of at least 14 points, there’s no need for talk of doom and gloom. Instead, now is the time to trust in DeCosta and Baltimore to do what’s needed to fine-tune and become a powerhouse.

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Ravens’ attempt to land star players this offseason points to hungry GM

The Baltimore Ravens have been in the mix for a few star players this offseason, even making some big moves of their own.

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t playing around when it comes to the 2020 season apparently. After getting so close to Super Bowl LIV, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has been quietly and carefully bold this offseason. With plenty of time remaining before the NFL’s trade deadline, it seems like Baltimore is on the hunt for the missing piece to get them there.

DeCosta and the Ravens wasted little time addressing their biggest flaw this offseason. Before free agency even opened up, Baltimore pulled off a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for Pro Bowl defensive end Calais Campbell. The Ravens even moved an impact player of their own, sending tight end Hayden Hurst to the Atlanta Falcons.

But it’s the deals Baltimore didn’t pull off that might be more telling of their hunger this year. The Ravens tried to trade for former Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. At the close of training camp, Baltimore made a push for free-agent outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, even trying to pull off a sign-and-trade deal along with the Jaguars. While they failed to bring in either player, those are the types of deals that would have taken the Super Bowl-favorite Ravens to a completely different level.

DeCosta hasn’t been afraid of pulling off trades and searching for big names he can bring in. At the trade deadline last year, Baltimore traded linebacker Kenny Young and a fifth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for cornerback Marcus Peters. The move helped settle down a talented but underperforming Ravens defense, seeing the unit become the best in the league in the second half of the 2019 season.

With a salary cap that could actually decrease next season, some teams might be looking to preemptively free up some money for the 2021 season if things don’t start off well this season. And with quite a few selections in the 2021 NFL Draft and the seventh-most cap space next season, don’t be shocked if DeCosta and the Ravens look to make some other big moves ahead of the 2020 NFL trade deadline.

Baltimore is making it clear to the 31 other teams around the NFL: If you’ve got a star player you’re trying to move and the price is right, give the Ravens a call.

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Cutting Earl Thomas helps Ravens send message no one is above the team

While the decision to cut Earl Thomas will hurt the Baltimore Ravens immediately, it allows them to send a crystal-clear message.

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The Baltimore Ravens were put in an untenable situation by safety Earl Thomas. However, there’s always a silver lining, even in the darkest of storm clouds. The decision to cut Thomas is certainly a stormy moment for Baltimore but it provides a teaching moment for a very young team.

Namely, they don’t care how talented you are or how much money you earn. If you aren’t willing to be a team player and fit the franchise’s established values, they have no problem telling you to pack your bags.

Thomas made it clear he didn’t fit the Ravens’ culture in his short stint with the team. He got into a heated argument with defensive tackle Brandon Williams last season, requiring others to get between them to stop it turning into a fight. He allegedly punched fellow safety Chuck Clark in practice last week after blowing a coverage assignment. And as NFL Network’s Michael Silver notes, there was even more going on behind the scenes, with Thomas showing up late or outright missing meetings dating back to last season. It all paints a picture of a player who didn’t respect his teammates and coaches, or at least felt he was above the coveted team mantra “Play like a Raven.”

There’s no doubt Thomas is a supremely talented player and one of the best cover safeties in the NFL right now. Quarterbacks had a ridiculously low 24.2 passer rating when targeting Thomas last season. In a league full of smart and physically gifted players, Thomas stood out above the already top of humanity for those two traits. He’s very well on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day and Baltimore is absolutely going to feel his absence on the field every week this season.

But on-field production isn’t everything. And in a secondary where the average age is just 25 years old, allowing Thomas’ insolence to continue sends the wrong message to the 15 other defensive backs on the roster. But by releasing Thomas quickly and without fanfare, the Ravens made it crystal clear that no one — no matter how talented and how much it would cost to jettison — is above the whole of the team.

If there were any questions as to who the boss was before this, coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta put their proverbial foot down. Baltimore is now hoping this is the defining moment of what is a championship season, where they rally around each other and take it to the next level. Even if it doesn’t, the Ravens seem at peace about their decision to move forward without Thomas and his antics.

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What the Ravens’ draft class says about their strategy

The Ravens continued to build up their strengths, addressed their main weakness and looked forward to the future in the 2020 NFL Draft

The Baltimore Ravens mopped up at the 2020 NFL Draft, adding 10 new players and getting heaps of praise thrown on them for the value they picked and the needs they filled. But if you take a step back and look at what type of players the Ravens drafted, you’ll get a better idea of their strategy moving forward.

Not every team in the NFL is as good as Baltimore when it comes to scouting, drafting and developing players. The Ravens certainly have a history of greatness even though they’re one of the newer franchises in the league, respectively speaking. Baltimore has drafted Hall of Famers like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Jonathan Ogden, as well as future Hall of Famers Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda. While that level of greatness might not extend to their 2020 NFL Draft class, they’re sure to have added a bunch of impact players nonetheless.

But where the Ravens were really able to separate themselves this year was in establishing their strategy and building upon it. Baltimore honed in on a few key factors they wanted all their players to have while building up specific portions of their roster in order the further strengthen what they do best.

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Finding winners:

“I think we just want winners,” general manager Eric DeCosta said in the post-draft press conference.

DeCosta was transparent here. After every night of the 2020 NFL Draft, DeCosta reiterated they were looking for players that performed well in the biggest games. He said the focus was to find players who knew how to step up when the level of competition increased, with the hopes that those guys would better be able to transition into the NFL.

“We want guys that are mature, that are fully developed, in terms of preparation, work ethic, approach and discipline,” DeCosta continued. “[With] some of the big schools, you get guys that … They come in and their process is close to being the same, and the adjustment is not quite as severe as it could be. Playing in big games – whatever level of football it really is – playing in big games matters.”

When you look at some of the guys the Ravens drafted, it’s clear they paid extra attention to film from their big games.

Baltimore’s first-round pick, linebacker Patrick Queen, was fresh off a national championship against Clemson in which he had eight total tackles including 2.5 for a loss, and a half sack.

Running back J.K. Dobbins also found another level when playing against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Dobbins put up a 9.7 yards-per-carry average, rushing for 174 yards and a touchdown while adding another 47 yards on six receptions.

The transition to the NFL can be a rough one for every player, regardless of where they were selected. And that’s expected to be even worse this year with the coronavirus pandemic potentially shortening the in-person time these rookies will get with the coaching staff. Finding guys who already know how to get the job done might make them better prepared for facing the best of the best every single week in the NFL.

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Eric DeCosta has a few ‘sleeper’ players targeted in final 4 rounds of 2020 NFL Draft

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t done with finding talent in the 2020 NFL Draft, with some “sleeper” prospects still on the board.

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As we enter the final day of the 2020 NFL Draft, many might think these remaining players just aren’t very good, which just isn’t true. While those remaining aren’t as polished as the players already taken or they might have a lower ceiling, plenty of gold can still be had in Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta specifically noted that he has some sleeper prospects still on the board. Those players are ones that other teams might not grade very highly but DeCosta and the Ravens feel like they can contribute or turn into something special.

While no general manager in their right mind would outright tell us which players they still have highly rated on their board, there are a bunch of prospects available that were expected to go on Day 2.

It’s worth noting that Baltimore has excelled at this area of the draft, finding players that might not necessarily start immediately but who turn into key contributors or stars down the line. Outside linebacker Matthew Judon (fifth round in 2016), cornerback Tavon Young (fourth round in 2016), cornerback Maurice Canady (sixth round in 2016), outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (fourth round in 2015), running back Javorius Allen (fourth round in 2015), and tight end Nick Boyle (fifth round in 2015) are all recent examples of guys the Ravens found late.

Baltimore has three picks entering the final day of the draft and should be able to find some immediate depth with high upside down the line.

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Watch: Eric DeCosta tell Patrick Queen he was being drafted by the Ravens

It’s the phone call that changes a person’s life forever and former LSU LB Patrick Queen got it from Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta

For all the anxiety leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft and all the frustration as your favorite players come off the board to other teams, there are some seriously amazing moments as well. For 255 players this week, their dreams of playing football professionally are going to become a reality. All the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices they’ve had to make over the years will pay off with just one phone call.

For former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen, it was a call from Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. As is traditional, the general manager makes the call to the prospect they’re going to take to let him know and welcome him to the team and it’s often an emotional moment for everyone involved.

Take a look at DeCosta letting Queen know he was going to be the next Ravens linebacker drafted in the first round:

DeCosta harkened back to the Ravens’ previous first-round linebackers, Ray Lewis and C.J. Mosley. Both turned into Pro Bowl players for Baltimore, cementing a legacy at the position for decades. Queen becomes the next in that lineup and he’s ready to make his mark with the Ravens.

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Eric DeCosta: There are 25-30 players still available who can immediately contribute

Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said there are 25-30 players who can immediately contribute still available in the 2020 NFL Draft

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The Baltimore Ravens answered one of their questions, selecting LSU linebacker Patrick Queen with their first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. But it’s the middle rounds that really separates the wheat from the chaff among NFL teams. The teams that most often succeed do so because their front offices are better at scouting those mid-round prospects that turn into major contributors and stars.

The Ravens have always been among the best in the business at identifying that talent and developing it. So with Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft including the second and third rounds, Baltimore can continue to further improve their roster and separate themselves. According to Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, he’s excited about what players are available and thinks Baltimore can walk away with some immediate contributors.

“There’s like 25 or 30 players right now that I think can really contribute right away for us next year and we’re going to get two of those guys.”

The Ravens enter the second day of the draft with some other major needs still remaining. With guard Marshal Yanda’s retirement this offseason, the interior of the offensive line might be Baltimore’s next biggest need. Finding more help at wide receiver for 2019 NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is a must. The Ravens also invested heavily this offseason along their defensive line but need more long-term depth there.

If DeCosta is to be believed — and draft talk should always be taken with a grain of salt — those needs match up well with who Baltimore has highly rated on their draft board.

“I love the board, I love the players available,” DeCosta continued. “I think you’ve got some offensive linemen we like, some receivers and defensive linemen we like, some running backs — it’s a strong group available”

With some pretty specific needs and a draft board that might not line up with where the Ravens pick, they could be movers and shakers on Friday. Baltimore certainly has the ammunition to make a move up for a player they love, with two second- and two third-round picks on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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3 nightmare scenarios for the Ravens in the 1st round

A unique 2020 NFL Draft creates some unique problems and with that comes even more possibilities for nightmare scenarios for the Ravens.

For a team that has generally excelled at making the most out of its draft choices, you can’t really say the Baltimore Ravens would be in too much trouble if things didn’t necessarily “fall their way” in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a team that predicates its draft strategy on selecting the best available player instead of reaching for a big need.

Still, in an unusual draft that is being done virtually, everyone should expect the unexpected. And there are a few things that could frustrate the normally unflappable Ravens as well as peak fan complaints in the process.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Best players at Ravens’ needs go early

Arguably the most glaring issue on the Ravens is their lack of talent at inside linebacker. With names like Bart Scott, C.J. Mosley, and obviously Ray Lewis lingering in fans’ heads, Baltimore is desperately seeking the heir-apparently to its vaunted lineage. Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray have most often been mocked to the Ravens ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft and if both are gone, it could force Baltimore to alter their plans.

But what would make it truly a nightmare scenario is if there’s a run on wide receivers and pass rushers as well. If there are just quarterbacks, running backs and offensive tackles on the board, everyone is going to be frustrated.

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