Ravens: 5 Matthew Judon replacements in 2021 NFL Draft

Former Ravens EDGE Matthew Judon. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

In light of the departure of Pro Bowl EDGE defender Matthew Judon to the New England Patriots in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens can be expected to target a pass rusher at some point in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Not only did Judon walk out the door, but so did Yannick Ngakoue, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Restocking the EDGE position figures to be a priority for Head Coach John Harbaugh’s team, given the aggressive nature of the Ravens’ defensive approach and the team’s commitment to pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Though Pernell McPhee recently agreed to terms with Baltimore, ensuring the veteran pass rusher’s return to the Ravens for the upcoming season, he and 2020 rookie Jaylon Ferguson are the only returning contributors at the position currently rostered in Baltimore as Tyus Bowser and Jihad Ward are each free agents.

The Ravens enter the league’s legal tampering period with north of $16 million in available space towards the upcoming season’s salary cap, and one could expect the team to address the EDGE position at some point via the free agency process this offseason.

Where might the Ravens look to add a pass rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Given the roster-building approach seemingly favored by Harbaugh and Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta, Ravens faithful might look to familiarize themselves with a few of the pass rushers to be found among the 2021 NFL draft’s EDGE defender class.

To examine the subject, we will look at a potential replacement for the Ravens in each of the 5 rounds in which the team is scheduled to pick as part of this year’s draft proceedings, beginning with the 5th round.