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The 2019 season was pretty good to the Baltimore Ravens. They went 14-2 and enjoyed major breakout seasons from big-name players.
That success led to them having the best record in the NFL. They got a bye in the first round of the playoffs as well. However, that's where the fun stopped. Baltimore lost to the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional round, their first playoff game of the year.
So clearly, there were still some improvements that needed to be made. And that's what the Ravens set out to do this offseason.
The NFL Draft allowed for them to make some moves. But not everything is where it needs to be just yet. What is the biggest weakness for the Ravens as they close in on the start of the 2020 season?
This one is a little tough. Yes, Baltimore lost in their first playoff game, but they were still elite in 2019. A 14-2 record doesn't reflect a lot of weaknesses.
Possibly, their biggest weakness in 2019 was their pass rush. The Ravens had just 37 sacks last season. That number was lower than over half the league.
Baltimore addressed that problem well this offseason, however. That included acquiring Calais Campbell as well as drafting linebackers Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
So the pass rush has definitely been improved, at least on paper. There's another position that is in a weird spot though, and it's one that some may not agree with — wide receiver.
Baltimore had a great passing attack last season. How much of that is because of Lamar Jackson, the quarterback who won MVP last season, rather than the weapons around him?
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They have exciting young talent in Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin. Willie Snead is a solid piece, too. But Brown and Boykin still have some improving to do, and Snead isn't exactly a top target.
The Ravens did add receivers Devin Duvernay and James Proche in the NFL Draft this year, but those are just more young talent where the team could also use experience.
Baltimore could benefit from adding a veteran wideout. Perhaps that's why there have been so many rumors linking Antonio Brown to the team. Even with his off-field issues, his on-field play is too valuable not to consider him, at least a little bit.
The Ravens are an elite team in a number of categories. And wide receiver isn't even really that bad of a position for them. It's just not on par with the rest of the team.
If they want to make a deep playoff run this year, Baltimore will need weapons for Jackson in the passing game. Mark Andrews has proven to be a great tight end, but extra wide receiver help would not hurt.
There's a good chance Brown and Boykin take that next step in 2020. And Duvernay and Proche bring potential to the table as well. For now, though, no one is a clear No. 1. So trying to find a way to add a veteran star before the start of the season should be on the to-do list.
Just imagine Jackson with a true superstar wide receiver. Improving just this one weak spot would lift the entire team.
