Where Does 
The Ravens’ safety unit is absolutely stacked in terms of depth, but nobody outside of
Elam is heading into the final year of his rookie contract after missing the entire 2015 campaign with a biceps injury. He’ll see more competition than ever with Weddle on board, 2015 starter
“This is a make-or-break year for Elam with the Ravens,” wrote CSNMidatlantic.com’s Clifton Brown. “Elam has recovered from that injury, but he has not proved it wasn’t a mistake for the Ravens to draft him in the first round (32nd overall) back in 2013.”
Elam started 15 of 16 games his rookie year, notching 77 tackles, three passes defensed and one interception. But he lost his starting role the next year after struggling both in coverage and tackling, which he excelled in college at the University of Florida. He was credited with 18 missed tackles by Pro Football Focus in 2014.
Despite his struggles, both General Manager Ozzie Newsome and Head Coach John Harbaugh had high hopes for Elam heading into last year’s training camp. They both noted Elam carrying himself with more confidence.
Elam never got to prove himself in a bounce-back bid, however, because of the biceps injury sustained early in training camp. So, he’ll have start all over again when Organized Team Activities and minicamp kick off this offseason.
In addition to Weddle, Lewis and Webb, Elam will have to battle the other safeties on the roster, including
So where does Elam fit? At this point, a starting role doesn’t look to be in his future, according to Brown.
“The Ravens know he struggles in pass coverage, but if he can tackle and pursue ball carries the way he did in college at Florida, Elam could still help the Ravens, probably in a backup role,” Brown wrote. “Elam was a sure tackler in college, but that has not been the case in the NFL. He has also looked hesitant at times, probably due to a lack of confidence.
“Elam has a year more experience than Brooks, and the Ravens saw enough in Elam to make him a first-round pick. But if Elam is going to be a factor for the Ravens next season, he will need his best offseason and training camp.”
Weddle Gets His Jersey Number
It appears Eric Weddle received his Ravens jersey number, and it’s the same one he wore during his nine-year stay in San Diego. It’s also the same number he wore in college at the University of Utah.
Dad was pretty EXCITED this am to recieve this! Can't wait to get to work with my teammates. pic.twitter.com/RYZrlr09U9
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) April 2, 2016
Exclusive rights free-agent corner
Past Ravens to dress in jersey No. 32 include Dominique Franks, Quinton Pointer, James Ihedigbo and Musa Smith.
Ray Lewis Urges Chicago To End Violence
Future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis took to social media to urge the citizens of Chicago to end gun violence.
Lewis has read newspaper reports about gun violence reaching new levels and says he is “disturbed.” Per the Washington Post, 141 people were killed in Chicago during the first quarter of 2016, up from 82 last year. The city is on track to have 500 killings this year.
Known for his passionate speeches, Lewis made an emotional plea in the Facebook video below.
We Must Change What We Are Doingmy heart is hurting - we must do better
Posted by Ray Lewis on Saturday, April 2, 2016
AFC North Update: Donte Whitner Not Happy About Being Cut
The AFC North rival Cleveland Browns cut safety Donte Whitner over the weekend, and the 11-year veteran safety didn’t seem very happy with the move … or at least the timing of it.
love you Cleveland. My plan is in a different place. Their playing MONEYBALL now! Be blessed!
— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) April 3, 2016
I just wish they had common courtesy and would've done it weeks ago when free agency was going on... #25thHour... But I'll bounce back!
— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) April 3, 2016
Whitner started 14 of 16 games last season and was ranked as the 28th-best safety by Pro Football Focus with a plus-3.1 grade. To put that ranking in perspective, the Ravens’ top two safeties last year were Will Hill (plus 6.0 grade for 21st ranking) and Kendrick Lewis (minus-3.6 grade for 70th ranking).
Whitner continues a long line of Browns’ departures this offseason following wide receiver Travis Benjamin, safety Tashaun Gipson, center Alex Mack, inside linebacker Craig Robertson, offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, inside linebacker Karlos Dansby and quarterback Johnny Manziel.
The Browns are clearly starting over with a new regime that is led by Executive Vice President Sashi Brown, Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta and Head Coach Hue Jackson.
The “Moneyball” approach that Whitner referred to is connected to DePodesta, who has a baseball background and relies heavily on analytics to make personnel decisions. It’s the first time we’ve seen the approach emphasized this much in the NFL.
The league is watching closely as many are curious to see if this approach to building a roster can be successful.
Quick Hits
Elite jumper. https://t.co/W2d3QYgt6v
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 2, 2016
The @AtlantaFalcons & @Ravens found their franchise QBs in 2008.
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 4, 2016
Who will find theirs in the 2016 #NFLDraft? pic.twitter.com/UuOBoLZIuM
Ravens RB
— Morgan Adsit (@MorganAdsit) April 2, 2016Terrance West lost 13 pounds this offseason. Conditioning and working hard to land a role and run with more speed.
Help me welcome our new safety, Eric Weddle to the team at #FlockFestival April 30 at M&T. Visit https://t.co/7QGOKmvM2m info and tickets.
—Joe Flacco (@TeamFlacco) April 1, 2016
Troy Smith arrested for DUI in Westerville https://t.co/YoeEYEA874
— Columbus Dispatch (@DispatchAlerts) April 3, 2016
Ravens linebacker
— Baltimore Sun Sports (@BaltSunSports) April 1, 2016Terrell Suggs pleads not guilty to two misdemeanors https://t.co/8yU3Z3wP95
Cyrus Jones could be an interesting fit for Ravens who are trying to add more speed and playmakers on defense.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) April 1, 2016
