Baltimore Ravens: 2020 Draft Class Already Making An Impact
Sep 13, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (48) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
For the most part, many of the Ravens rookies had major roles and showed out in their dominant win against the Browns in their season opener.
With a chaotic offseason and no preseason, the transition from college to the NFL is tougher now than it ever was. The rookie class, like every year, was deemed as one of the better draft classes this yr. While the headline coming out of their first home victory is Lamar Jackson and his passing numbers, I was more surprised how big of roles some of the rookies had to start off and potentially how they will expand in the coming weeks.
The obvious starters were Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison, both at inside linebacker, but not many expected Tyre Phillips to start or for J.K. Dobbins to be just as involved in the offensive attack as Mark Ingram. Phillips, the former third-round pick from Mississippi State, is getting the chance as a starter over free-agent acquisition D.J. Fluker. The rookie gets the first crack at right guard, as he is replacing future Hall of Famer Marshal Yanda, who retired after the 2019 season.
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With Ingram struggling a bit early with the fumble, the Ravens utilized Dobbins somewhat more then what I thought he was initially going to get in his first NFL game. As a runner and a pass-catcher, the former second-round pick from Ohio State scored not only one touchdown but two in his debut as a Raven. Even though they are going with a heavy rotation at running back, Dobbins could get more of the snaps moving forward as a more explosive and dynamic runner compared to Ingram or Gus Edwards. Depending on what the defense gives them each week, the Ravens could give the hot hand the chance to produce early and often.
Even though both James Proche and Devin Duvernay did not splash as special teamers or receivers in Week 1, I expect them to slowly get increased snaps on offense while doing the most on special teams. Duvernay, the former third-round pick from Texas, could be a hidden weapon in the coming weeks with his speed. Proche will likely get another chance, as the former sixth-round pick from SMU can redeem himself for the fumble as a returner. Both are known to have great hands so they should get their chances to shine in the coming weeks.
Broderick Washington made some noise this past Sunday as well in his first snaps as a Raven. The former fifth-round pick from Texas Tech was involved in the defensive line rotation that added a few veterans in free agency. Those veterans include Calais Campbell, via trade, and Derek Wolfe in free agency. Washington only had one assisted tackle but he will prove to be a valuable backup to Brandon Williams as well on the defensive line. The run defense needs to be improved from last year with these acquisitions.
As the lightning to thunder combination, both Queen and Harrison flashed on the field. Queen recorded his first sack and forced a fumble in his debut, showcasing his playmaking ability already as a former first-round pick from LSU. Harrison, the former third-round pick from Ohio State, also tied with Queen as they both had the 2nd most tackles (with four) for the Ravens in that game.
Even though they had some mistakes, both linebackers will learn from it and will grow into their roles as a starter or rotational impact player. Both displayed their speed and athleticism to get after the ball carriers along with the size that the Ravens lacked last year in the middle of their defense at linebacker.
The 1-0 Baltimore Ravens face the 0-1 Houston Texans this Sunday for Week 2, as we could see a heavy dosage of the run game unlike Week 1. The Texans struggled to move the ball without DeAndre Hopkins in the passing game but David Johnson gave a spark early against their Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs. Kansas City torched the Houston defense through the air and on the ground so this could be another blowout for the Ravens, similar to last year when Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson faced off.
Write about all things football; including the Baltimore Ravens (my favorite team), College Football, the NFL Draft, and other football related content.
