It doesn’t take a genius like John Urschel to recognize the Ravens are still smarting from the way their defense wilted late last season, most notably during the Christmas Day loss to the Steelers, which knocked Baltimore out of playoff contention.
After watching their top-ranked defense -- minus injured cornerback Jimmy Smith -- falter against the New England Patriots in Week 14 and then against the Steelers two weeks later, the Ravens made defensive upgrades their top offseason priority. The NFL Draft was a strong statement that they are all-in on making the defense the foundation of this organization once again.
The Ravens used their first four picks, and five of seven overall, to address the defense. Drafting Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey with their first pick at No. 16, the Ravens then addressed their pass rush with the next three picks, selecting Houston outside linebacker Tyus Bowser in the second round and Michigan defensive end Chris Wormley and Alabama outside linebacker Tim Williams in the third round.
