tavares gooden

Baltimore's draft classes from 2008-2014 didn't yield the type of playmakers who would have kept the team as a contender.

By Mike Preston

Apr 5, 2016

Only four current Ravens defenders were on the roster when the team last played the Minnesota Vikings in 2009. Those who remain have not-so-fond memories of trying to tackle Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

When retired Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis was informed that he had lost $3.778 million through unauthorized investments made on his behalf without his permission, his reaction was predictable.

According to a Yahoo Sports report, former Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis is among a group of 16 current and former NFL players who are suing BB&T Bank for nearly $60 million in alleged investment losses.

The Ravens are expected to receive three or four compensatory picks -- likely four -- which would bring their number of picks for next month's NFL draft to 12. That's a lot of ammo for general manager Ozzie Newsome should the Ravens choose to move up, down and all around or acquire more picks for next year¿s NFL draft. Here is a look at what the Ravens have done in the past when they entered a draft with nine or more draft picks.

But meeting that expectation has become a challenge. Cody, who entered the season battling to regain his starting job, is among a batch of young defensive players the Ravens need to live up to their lofty draft status. The need is even more important for a defense now vulnerable with inspirational middle linebacker Ray Lewis and shutdown cornerback Lardarius Webb on injured reserve.

Jeff Zrebiec breaks down the Baltimore Ravens during their NFL bye week.

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston answers a selection of reader questions after the Ravens' 43-13 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday.

It's tough to look at the Baltimore defense and not see that the Ravens are starting four former undrafted free agents and that a trio of recent second-round draft picks is coming off the bench. Jimmy Smith, a 2011 first-round pick, will become a starter Sunday because cornerback Lardarius Webb suffered a season-ending knee injury. They smartly nabbed their other starting cornerback, Cary Williams, off the Tennessee Titans practice squad. Of the 14 defensive players they drafted from 2007 to 2011, only two are starters and six are no longer with the team.

As we close in on the 2012 NFL draft, we'll take a look at how the Baltimore Ravens have fared in recent drafts.

Unless you count Mario Williams, a defensive end who can also play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, there won't be any marquee linebackers available in free agency this offseason. But there are a handful of solid starters -- including a pair of Ravens -- scheduled to be available in a deep class of free agent linebackers. Here is a look at the top free agent linebackers on the market and where they could wind up in 2012.

One day Ravens will have to prepare for life without Ray Lewis

Analysis of Ravens special teams play in 2011

Rookie corner Chykie Brown, late addition at defensive end Michael McAdoo make team after flashing potential late in preseason