Some pass-rush help could finally be on its way for the Baltimore Ravens, in the form of a former AFC North rival with 32 sacks to his credit in the NFL.
The Ravens worked out ex-Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson on Monday, October 20, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. He referenced a “personnel notice” that also detailed how the Ravens “added WR Colton Dowell to the practice squad. They also had veteran LBs Jesse Luketa.”
Lawson is the most notable name on this list for two reasons. First, the Ravens have an ongoing need for more juice among their edge-rusher rotation.
Second, Lawson is an ideal candidate to provide the missing oomph. The 30-year-old is a proven commodity who still knows how to get to the quarterback, an enduring talented he showed off for the Dallas Cowboys last season before landing in free agency.
Ravens Need Pass Rush Answers
Defensive frailties have been the bane of this season for the Ravens, and the problems go beyond play-calling. That’s despite second-year coordinator Zach Orr taking the brunt of the blame, but putting more experience around the play-caller won’t solve every problem.
Specifically, personnel remains an issue at the edges of the front seven. The problem has been compounded by the shock trade sending Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Oweh wasn’t exactly dominating blockers, but the Ravens could hardly afford to lose any viable pass-rusher. Particularly when team leader Kyle Van Noy is 34 and has already endured a hamstring injury this season, while the Ravens are still waiting on 2025 NFL draft second-round pick Mike Green to make the grade.
Another second-rounder, 2022 selection David Ojabo, is also failing to make a dent on the rare occasions he’s fully healthy. Add in new starter Tavius Robinson, who’s more of a force setting the edge than rushing the passer, being sidelined because of a fractured foot, and the Ravens face a problem with few answers.
Perhaps Lawson could offer a surprising solution.
Carl Lawson Has Skills Ravens Need
He’s never posted double-digit sacks in a single season, but Lawson has proved himself adept at collapsing the pocket. That talent yielded 20 sacks during four seasons with the rival Bengals, but Lawson was unable to justify a $45 million contract from the New York Jets, especially after suffering a torn Achilles in 2021.
Lawson did get back on track with seven sacks in 2022, before joining the Cowboys last season. He logged five quarterback takedowns and showcased the tools and technique of a natural pass-rusher with this “cross chop/club pressure” against the New York Giants, highlighted by Aaron Day of DLineVids.
The Ravens need an edge defender with Lawson’s quick takeoff, natural bend and educated hands. He’d have a lot to prove if he joined the practice squad, but the seven-year pro would offer value in a situational role for work on third down.
It’s how Van Noy established himself as a key cog, but he needs help. Fortunately, the Ravens have a habit of turning to the veteran market for help on defense.
Snagging Lawson in free agency, even if it’s just to stash him off the main roster, would be a smart move.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ravens Worked Out 32-Sack Former AFC North Rival: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.