As reported by The Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-ngata-0921-20110920,0,4875996.story), the Ravens reached a 5 year $61M extension with All-Pro DT Haloti Ngata. Of greater importance, the contract provides $40M in guaranteed dollars over the initial two years, and lowers his overall salary cap number.

The 27th year-old Ngata was the 12th overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Oregon. With this extension, he is now under contract with Baltimore through the 2015 season. Obviously this is a massive investment, in a mountain of a man. While it is fair to ask if a cheaper extension could have been negotiated earlier in Ngata’s career, and prior to be Franchised, it is good for all parties that this is now done. From the perspective of DT, this contract provides the opportunity for him to earn another payday down the road. From the perspective of the Ravens, the additional cap room will be needed in extension discussions with fellow Ravens players such as Grubbs, Rice, and Flacco over the next two years. It also allows Baltimore to use the Franchise tag elsewhere, if so desired.

While it hard to believe the 335 lb Ngata ever gets lost in the shadows, that does occur a bit when the National media discusses the Ravens defense. Typically the future Hall of Famers Lewis, and Reed are mentioned initially, before discussion of Ngata begins. I know that is somewhat understandable, but to me Ngata has become the key on that side of the ball here in Baltimore. He controls the line of scrimmage, and by Suggs’ own admission, opens up things for the DE/OLB on the outside. Ngata has also become more adept at pushing the pocket over the last couple of seasons. I do think he has the capability of becoming slightly more consistent in that regard.

It says something about Ngata’s ability, that you can look at a guy that is easily one of the two or three best at his position, and still believe he is capable of more. What I like best about the Utah native, is his constant hustle. It is amazing how often you see him making plays down the field, chasing down opposing offensive players. Factoring in his size, you can certainly make the case of him being one of the league’s best overall athletes.

While Lewis continues to excel, and Reed led the league interceptions just last year (despite missing the first six weeks), their remarkable careers will come to an end at some point, and sooner than later. I’m of the opinion that you build winning football teams in the trenches, so I’ll always support locking up a premier DT in his prime. With Ngata extended, it is interesting to think about the young talent which the Ravens will be surrounding him during the length of his contract. One thing I am excited about is that with Ngata, Suggs, and Smith – each line of the Ravens Defense has a star talent to build around.

Beyond those three, I picture Cody as Pro-Bowl caliber talent in his own right, especially playing next to Ngata. With the effort Cody has made into making himself physically capable of being an every down player; that Ngata/Cody tandem will continue to grow as a very disruptive force in the middle. Jones, and McPhee were excellent during camp, and need to be rotated in regularly during games. We will see where McAdoo is next year after a year of getting strong and working through camps.

Kindle has been inactive the first two weeks, but I continue to believe him being able to return to the football field, can pay huge dividends to the Ravens this year. Even if he is currently limited overall as a LB, he should eventually be able to make a difference as a 3rd down pass rusher opposite of Suggs. I think he could have helped Sunday in Tennessee when the Ravens could not lay a hand on Hasselbeck.

Ellerbe, and McClain both have the ability to be starting LB’s. Like Kindle, I continue to think that Kruger needs to be on the field in pass-rushing situations.

I don’t think Webb has made it all the way back athletically from where he was as a Rookie prior to his injury. However, he is still young and gaining experience. If he could physically hold up at the position, I think he could be an excellent FS. Williams had some tough moments Sunday, but he has the desired combination of size, length, and speed you want in a Corner. He will get plenty of opportunities this year.

On the other side of the ball, we talked about the extension discussions the Ravens will be having with Grubbs, Rice, and Flacco over the next several years. It is my opinion that deals with each will take place. Oher, Dickson, Smith, Pitta, Doss, and Reed also figure to be fixtures for the foreseeable future. Boldin is a bit older (31 October 3rd), but is signed through 2013 and not going anywhere anytime soon.

There is a strong group of players to move forward with here, further solidified with this Ngata extension.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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