With The First Pick
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Ravens 2021 NFL Draft primer in search of reliable targets for Lamar Jackson

By Stephen Seufert

Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to throw the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to throw the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ravens OG Kevin Zeitler. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Quiet Ravens free agency often turns into quality free agency

The Ravens’ front office often seems like one of the quieter organizations when it comes to signing players. A lot of organizations would agree that quiet signings can turn into quality signings. This writer truly believes that free agency should only be utilized for building the back 30-percent of your roster. Self-scouting your own coaches and team is hard enough, but scouting other players, their character, and how they will fit is a beast of its own.

Paying 16-million guaranteed to Kevin Zeitler can be considered risky, but there are three major things that Zeitler will bring to the table. One, the player is tough and only missed one game in six seasons. Two, he is still an above-average football player in a serious position of need. Three, he was a cut, meaning he will not factor into the Ravens compensation pick pool. Win, win, win.

Sammy Watkins is another move that seems a little unusual for the Ravens, but the price tag is much lower than Watkins’s nominal value. I mean, seriously, this guy is the opposite of Zeitler. Watkins’ foot injury completely derailed his career. However, Watkins’ best season, and only healthy season, were with Roman in Buffalo. When healthy, Watkins has one of the cleaner release packages in the league, making him a candidate to play at the X. If he can win in short to intermediate levels of the field, it would be a huge help for Jackson. Boom bust signing, and sometimes those are the most entertaining.

Overall, the organizations spent their offseason taking care of their own players. They brought back guys like Pernell McPhee, Chris Board, Derek Wolfe, and most importantly, Tyus Bowser. Without Bowser, this team would have not only lost their best pass rushers in Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue but their most versatile piece in Bowser.  At least the front office can primarily focus on pass rushers rather than an off-ball strongside linebacker, too.

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