Rookies could energize Baltimore Ravens' pass rush

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- A pair of rookie outside linebackers appear ready to immediately help the Baltimore Ravens tackle their pass-rush woes.

Tyus Bowser, a second-round pick from Houston, and Tim Williams, a third-round pick from Alabama, are pushing for starting jobs.

Williams has looked solid throughout 1-on-1 pass-rush drills, beating left tackle Ronnie Stanley, the team's first-round pick past season. Williams had 19.5 sacks in his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide and is showing similar explosiveness in training camp.

"He looks like the guy that we drafted," defensive coordinator Dean Pees said.

Bowser, in addition to his pass-rush skills, has been adept at dropping back in pass coverage. Bowser had 8.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss over eight games for the Cougars last season.

"He has really taken a step here, I think, in the first few days of training camp of coming back more prepared," Pees said. "Coming out of OTAs, I thought, 'OK, it's going to be a little while in training camp.' But he's come out here more prepared than I thought. He's a quick-twitch guy."

Baltimore was tied with the L.A. Rams and Houston for 24th in the NFL with 31 sacks in 2016. The Ravens appear on track to improve that standing. Veteran Terrell Suggs appears in great shape and is poised to have another big season, provided he can stay healthy.

"What I like is the depth we have," Pees said.

"Instead of one guy having to play 60 or 70 snaps in a game, maybe he only has to do 30 or 35, because the drop-off isn't as drastic. What I like about our young guys is I really like the combination that we have."