Ravens Land Hendrickson: AFC’s New Top Team?

Ravens Bolster Defense with Hendrickson Signing, But Are They AFC’s Best?

The NFL offseason continues to churn, and the Baltimore Ravens have made a significant splash by signing defensive end Trey Hendrickson. This move immediately raises the question: Does this acquisition make Baltimore the team to beat in the AFC? The panel on Get Up Exclusive debated this very topic, weighing the impact of Hendrickson against other team needs and potential rival moves.

Max Crosby Speculation Lingers

Before diving into the Ravens’ prospects, the conversation touched upon the ongoing speculation surrounding Raiders star Max Crosby. Despite a physical that reportedly caused the Ravens to back away from a potential trade, the belief persists that a deal could still materialize.

“When a player takes a physical, they don’t pass or fail. There isn’t like a grade that is a passing grade. These things are completely um not arbitrary, but they’re up they’re up to the acquiring team. Subjective is the word I was looking for.”

This subjectivity, coupled with the potential for Crosby to improve daily, suggests that a trade remains a possibility, especially if the compensation is reduced. The concern, as highlighted by the analysts, isn’t necessarily about Crosby’s ability to play this year, but rather his long-term durability and potential impact on his career at ages 31, 32, and 33. While a Super Bowl win might justify significant compensation, the risk associated with Crosby’s knee injury tempers immediate enthusiasm for blockbuster deals involving multiple first-round picks.

Hendrickson Arrives in Baltimore

The focus then shifted to Baltimore’s move for Trey Hendrickson. The signing, described as a significant addition, aims to bolster a defense that is already considered a strength. However, the question remains whether this single move elevates the Ravens to the top tier of AFC contenders.

Graciano expressed a cautious outlook:

“Not by himself. No, because they have other work to do. I mean they need to rebuild the entire middle of their offensive line which is you know not as exciting as guys that sack quarterbacks but extremely important to team success and quarterback success.”

He emphasized that while Hendrickson is a valuable addition, the Ravens still have critical needs on the offensive line, particularly in the interior. The loss of their highly-paid center and the subpar performance of their guards last season are issues that must be addressed.

Assessing the Ravens’ Roster and Draft Capital

The discussion highlighted that the Ravens lost a useful weapon in Isaiah likely and may need to add another offensive player. With the 14th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Baltimore has the opportunity to address these needs. The potential availability of a tackle like Spencer Fo, who might project to guard at the next level, was mentioned as a draft possibility.

When comparing the Ravens’ current situation with potential future additions versus acquiring a player like Max Crosby, the consensus leaned towards Crosby being the more impactful player for this year. However, the panelists acknowledged the Ravens’ organizational philosophy of valuing draft capital, especially first-round picks, which makes a trade for Crosby less likely.

The signing of Hendrickson undoubtedly improves the Ravens’ defense, but the team’s overall standing as the AFC’s top contender hinges on their ability to address remaining roster weaknesses, particularly on the offensive line, through the draft and further offseason moves.

Kyler Murray’s Potential Resurgence

The conversation also briefly touched upon Kyler Murray and his potential to have a career resurgence. While some questioned if he would follow a path similar to Sam Darnold, Dominique Foxworth argued that Murray doesn’t need a complete resurrection but rather a consistent display of the talent he’s already shown.

The criticism surrounding Murray, including questions about leadership and body language, was acknowledged. However, it was suggested that maturity and the incentive of a one-year deal in Minnesota could provide the motivation needed for him to perform at a high level, potentially setting himself up for a lucrative long-term contract.

Ultimately, the Ravens’ claim to being the AFC’s team to beat remains a work in progress. The addition of Trey Hendrickson is a significant step, but the team must navigate their remaining needs and the competitive landscape of the AFC to solidify that status.

Source: Does Trey Hendrickson make the Baltimore Ravens the TEAM TO BEAT in the AFC? 📈 | Get Up YT Exclusive (YouTube)