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2019 NFL Power Rankings: Who heads into summer at No. 1?

By Ian Cummings

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in action against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in action against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

No. 22 – Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were the surprise winners of a weak AFC North in 2018, but winning the division will be a much taller task in 2019. And in a vacuum, the Ravens might not be up to the task.

For years, the Ravens defense has been the calling card of the franchise, and while the unit will still be good in 2019, it’s unclear as to whether the defense can carry the offense if no improvement is seen in the latter department. Patrick Onwuasor should be able to pick up where C.J. Mosley left off at linebacker, and Marlon Humphrey and Earl Thomas highlight an above-average secondary.

The Ravens’ defense can hold its own, but questions arise on the offensive side of the ball, where the pressure is on Lamar Jackson to make a leap in year two. The late first-round pick gave the Ravens a versatile offense in 2018, but he provided little utility as a passer early on. In 2019. Jackson has to take the next step. And judging by the Ravens’ recent meeting with Navy personnel, they might be sticking to the unorthodox offense.

There’s potential there, without a doubt, but if Jackson’s development as a passer goes slower than intended, then the Ravens could find themselves back in the middle of the pack in 2019. It’s not a good way for Jon Harbaugh to start off his extension, but this was always going to be a multi-year project.

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