<
        >

          NFL Nation

          Ravens move up to No. 11 in ESPN's post-free agency power rankings

          • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterMar 27, 2017, 05:00 PM
            Close
              Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
            Follow on X

          What does $63 million in guaranteed money buy you? Apparently, it's six quality players and two spots up on ESPN's post-free agency power rankings.

          The Baltimore Ravens moved up to No. 11 in the latest power rankings after being one of the more active teams at the start of free agency.

          The Ravens added the top free agent in ESPN's rankings (nose tackle Brandon Williams), the top available safety (Tony Jefferson), a versatile playmaking running back (Danny Woodhead), a dependable No. 2 cornerback (Brandon Carr), a solid backup quarterback (Ryan Mallett) and their top special teams player (Anthony Levine).

          This obviously impressed the power ranking voters. The Ravens, who finished 8-8 last season, are the highest-ranked team that didn't have a winning record last season. Plus, there are only five AFC teams (New England, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Kansas City and Denver) ranked higher than Baltimore.

          The reason why the Ravens aren't ranked in the top 10 is the remaining holes on the team, especially on offense. Baltimore didn't sign a wide receiver after Steve Smith Sr. retired and Kamar Aiken signed with the Indianapolis Colts, and the Ravens didn't add a center or right tackle after Jeremy Zuttah was traded and Rick Wagner signed with the Detroit Lions.

          It's clear where voters believe the balance of power resides in the AFC North. The Steelers (No. 5) and the Ravens are in the top half of the rankings, and the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 23) and Cleveland Browns (No. 32) are in the bottom 10.

          Last year, the Ravens were No. 14 in the post-free agency rankings.