Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome Lists Biggest Offseason Needs

Ozzie Newsome met with media today to answer questions and give a state of the Baltimore Ravens-type address.'

Newsome touched on numerous issues, but most importantly, he identified the Ravens biggest offseason needs.

In the past, Newsome has always worked hard to ensure that these needs were met. Two years ago, after Newsome identified receiver as a major need, the Ravens proceeded to trade for Anquan Boldin. That makes Newsome's announcement today all the more important.

Here are the three positions that Ozzie identified.

Wide Receiver

Despite Torrey Smith's solid rookie year and the presence of Anquan Boldin, Ozzie Newsome identified receiver as a major need for the Baltimore Ravens.

With the minimal production behind Smith and Boldin, the Ravens desperately need a third receiver. The Ravens thought they had the answer when they traded for Lee Evans, but Evans was a complete bust, only catching four receptions on the year.

The Ravens' young receivers, David Reed, LaQuan Williams and Tandon Doss, barely contributed at all, and Doss was rarely even active. Altogether, the receiving burden was put solely on Boldin and Smith, and while they played well at times, they need help.

Toward the end of the year, teams were keying on Torrey Smith, knowing that Boldin couldn't get deep. This helped Boldin's numbers, but limited the Ravens passing attack.

Another weapon or two would completely open up the Ravens offense and would help Joe Flacco take the next step as a quarterback.

The Ravens will likely pursue a receiver in the draft, or perhaps they could sign a lesser known free agent, like Eddie Royal. They should be able to find a solid complimentary player this offseason.

Pass Rush

Casual fans will probably be shocked to find the pass rush on this list, but the Ravens' playoff performance shows that another pass-rusher is needed to get consistent pressure.

Terrell Suggs is the only consistent pass-rusher on the Ravens' roster, and he needs help, or teams will continue to key in on him.

Pernell McPhee played well for a rookie, but he hit the rookie wall and his production tailed off towards the end of the year. Still, McPhee is a nice piece for the future. The Ravens have a few other solid rushers, including Haloti Ngata and Paul Kruger.

Still, Suggs is the only players who's relentless pass rush scares quarterbacks. Another pass-rusher would help the Ravens be able to take on the elite passing teams they struggled against in 2011.

The Ravens are more likely to pursue this need in the draft, as there is a great deal of depth. Vinny Curry, Brandon Jenkins, Nick Perry and Ronnell Lewis are names to watch early in the draft.

Offensive Line

Most Ravens fans have identified the offensive line as the Ravens' biggest need, and Ozzie Newsome seems to agree.

Both Matt Birk and Ben Grubbs are free agents, and Bryant McKinnie was only serviceable as the starting left tackle. The Ravens will be looking to upgrade at tackle and potentially replace Grubbs or Birk.

Peter Konz might be an attractive option in the draft if he's available, but this is a strong center class, and the Ravens should be able to find one that they like. If Birk is not retained, then the Ravens might look into free agency for a quick fix.

Expect the Ravens to also look for a young, developmental tackle in the draft. Matt Reynolds, Zebrie Sanders and Andrew Datko could be names to keep an eye on.

If Grubbs is not resigned, the Ravens will make guard a priority as well. Vernon Carey is an interesting free agent, and Cordy Glenn might be available in the draft as well.