2009 Baltimore Ravens Offseason Preview: Defensive Line

The Baltimore Ravens season is over, but fans still have the offseason to look forward to. After a successful 2008 campaign, they are looking to improve in certain areas this offseason. So with the coming of the offseason, comes a position-by-position look at what the Ravens have to do. Today: defensive linemen.

As the Ravens played both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense, they had different players alternating at both the defensive tackle and defensive end position

Tackles:

The leader of the defensive line this season was third-year tackle Haloti Ngata. Ngata emerged as one of the best defensive tackles in the league. He had 55 tackles this season. Although he only had one sack, it does not tell the entire story. Ngata was a tremendous run-stuffer and great at putting pressure on the passer all season. He also displayed his versatility picking up two interceptions for the season which is amazing for a defensive lineman, breaking up five passes, and was even utilized on offense as an extra blocker. He will be a Pro-Bowler soon enough and a mainstay on the Ravens' defensive line.

When Baltimore played a 4-3 defense, they moved seventh-year lineman Justin Bannan inside as a tackle. As a tackle, Bannan did an good job, forming a great run-stuff duo with Ngata and helping the group bring pressure on pass plays. It seems clear that Bannan does better as a 3-4 end than as a 4-3 tackle, but he is capable at both positions.

Bannan had to step up as a starter this season for the injured Kelly Gregg. Gregg was on injured reserve all season due to a knee injury. When healthy, Gregg is one of the better defensive tackles in the league, so it will be interesting to see what Baltimore will do with so much depth next year.

As an insurance replacement for Gregg, the team signed third-year tackle Brandon McKinney. He was not used much, but he did gather eleven tackles in eleven games played. He may be brought back next year simply for depth.

Position Grade: A-

How to improve: Keep Ngata doing what he has been doing and you will have a Pro-Bowler for years to come. There may be some competition at the 2nd tackle spot next season as Bannan did well in Gregg's absence, so watch for that. Some more sacks from the interior linemen next season would be an improvement.

Defensive Ends:

In the 3-4, the ends were Trevor Pryce and Justin Bannan. In the 4-3, they were Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs.

Pryce is a veteran in his twelfth year in the league, but he is still playing at a high level. He picked up 27 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season, and was great as a pass-rusher. He also provided a great deal of leadership and experience not only to the line, but the defense as a whole.

Bannan did a great job as a defensive end, accumulating 45 tackles, one sack, and the first interception of his career. As an end, he was very skilled at making quick moves at the snap to throw the offensive tackle off and getting to the quarterback quicker. As a run-supporter, he was as good as any of Baltimore's linemen.

Next to Bannan in the 4-3 is the man affectionately known as T-Sizzle. Terrell Suggs re-emerged after a somewhat disappointing 2007 campaign where he only had five sacks with a 69 tackle, eight sack season. While he was utilized as a linebacker more than an end, he did not disappoint when he was put on the line. He is as good as ever as a pass-rusher and once again, did not miss an entire game this season. He also showed his toughness by playing in the AFC Championship game (and playing very well) despite essentially going out there with one arm. It would be detrimental to the team if they are not able to retain him for next season.

Rounding out the defensive line is veteran Marques Douglas who is in his third tenure with the Ravens. He did well on both defense and special teams this season, gathering 36 tackles for the season. He provides experience and depth for the line and is worth keeping.

Position Grade: A-

How to improve: I'm going to bold and underline this for emphasis: retain Terrell Suggs! He is way too important to this team on all accounts to let go. If worst-case scenario happens and they can't keep him, drafting an end isn't a necessity as they will probably draft a linebacker to replace him and stay in the 3-4 more, but they will need more depth. But keeping Suggs should one the top priorities, if not the top priority this offseason.

Next Edition: The one you've been waiting for: Linebackers (therefore, even more T-Sizzle)