When the 2022 offseason begins, the Baltimore Ravens will have plenty of decisions to make regarding the future of their team. They have many talented players slated to hit free agency, others could retire, and they are currently projected to have 10 draft picks in the 2022 NFL draft.
When listing out the best player that every NFL team could potentially add in 2022, Brett Sobleski of Bleacher Report named current Chicago Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks for Baltimore. He explained his decision by talking about how Hicks is a powerful player that blows offensive linemen away with his pure strength.
“…When healthy, Hicks is a game-wrecker. He’s so powerful at the point of attack that he overwhelms blockers and often reestablishes the line of scrimmage.”
Sobleski also pointed out that Hicks is a few years younger than current Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who is facing an uncertain football future, as he is now 35-years-old, as well as good insurance for Brandon Williams.
“At 32, he’s a few years younger than Campbell while also providing more insurance if/when Brandon Williams leaves in free agency. Baltimore’s defensive interior could and should look significantly different in 2022.”
With Hicks currently scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency in 2022, it’s unknown where he’ll suit up in 2022. Hicks wouldn’t be a long-term solution at a position that needs one, but he could certainly provide a few good years of dominant play, provided that he’s healthy.