Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager, Eric DeCosta, is gearing up for an important offseason as the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week in Indianapolis. With the draft season about to commence, the Ravens have historically placed significant emphasis on their drafting process, considering it their lifeblood throughout franchise history.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, DeCosta faces the challenge of managing the team's salary cap, with projections indicating a substantial amount ($32.4 million) likely to be allocated for 2024, potentially limiting their flexibility in the free-agency market. The Ravens will need to rely on acquiring young, affordable talent to maintain competitiveness and keep their championship aspirations alive.

Drawing inspiration from the Kansas City Chiefs' success, DeCosta aims to build a roster featuring a mix of star players like Lamar Jackson and cost-effective contributors on rookie contracts. The Ravens will look to avoid previous pitfalls that occurred after paying substantial contracts following Super Bowl XLVII, emphasizing the importance of making shrewd draft selections.

Key priorities for the Ravens at the Combine include making progress on a potential long-term deal with Justin Madubuike, which could significantly impact their financial flexibility. The event serves as a platform for crucial discussions between team executives, agents, and prospects, encompassing more than just physical evaluations such as the infamous 40-yard dashes.

While welcomed news of an increased salary cap provides some relief, DeCosta is mindful that fiscal prudence is still essential, with only a modest spending spree expected. The possibility of restructuring contracts to generate additional savings has been highlighted as a viable option for the Ravens moving forward.

Looking ahead, the Ravens' focus on strengthening their offensive line and wide receiver corps remains evident, with an eye on potentially acquiring impact players through the draft or free agency. The team is aiming to enhance their offensive capabilities, particularly in making deep shots more consistently and providing Lamar Jackson with reliable targets.

As the offseason unfolds, DeCosta and the Ravens organization face numerous decisions and challenges ahead, all in pursuit of securing a competitive roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl title.