Defensive Notes

It wasn't a huge drop, but one defense that slipped some from our rankings in the magazine to last week's Internet update was the Ravens. The primary reason was news that Ed Reed isn't sure he'll be ready for the start of the season, and may open the year on the PUP list.

Now there's a new reason: second-rounder Sergio Kindle's fractured skull after reportedly falling down two flights of stairs. Kindle was considered one of the draft's best pass rushers and was expected to play a role in pressuring opposing quarterbacks right away. Instead he's going to miss training camp and even his rookie season appears to be in doubt.

Baltimore has a lot of aging players on its defense; its leader in sacks a year ago was Trevor Pryce, who turns 35 next week. It really needs contributions from a young player, and the hope was that Kindle would be it. Doesn't look too promising right now.

The Ravens' lengthy track record of success makes us hesitant to underrate them. They should still be one of the league's best against the run, as always, which tends to help defenses in other categories (like forcing sacks and turnovers). They've still got Ray Lewis leading the front seven, and Terrell Suggs should be their best pass rusher (after battling injuries last season).

But especially given Reed's uncertain status, this looks more like a defense that figures to be on the outskirts of the top 10 in fantasy terms this year. It will probably be drafted too early in most leagues.

--Andy Richardson

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