NFL Draft 2011: Why the Baltimore Ravens Can’t Afford To Miss This Year

April 14, 2011   ·   Cian Fahey   ·   Jump to comments

The Baltimore Ravens once again made a playoff run in 2010.  In what is a recurring theme, they eventually lost out to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Heinz Field.
The only thing eluding the Ravens' recent success in the league is a Super Bowl ring.
The team's window of opportunity is closing, as it is aging in key positions.
Only two on the current roster were part of the organization during that 34-7 Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants in 2001.  Ray Lewis was the only active player on the team while Kelly Gregg was part of the practice squad.
Gregg and Lewis today are two important pieces for newly-appointed defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano.  Both players are very much in the twilight of their careers. Gregg is 34-years-old while Lewis will be 36 at the start of next season.
Replacing Ray Lewis isn't realistically possible, but the team does have two relatively young linebackers behind him in Dannell Ellerbe (25) and Tavares Gooden (26).&n...

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