In 50 Words or Less: There Are Several Potential Breakout Stars on the Ravens Defense
With the first preseason game of Baltimore just one week away, we are in the midst of training camp for the Ravens.
My thoughts, in no more than fifty words:
The Ravens, especially on defense, have a veritable bonanza of future standout players for the 2023 campaign. Baltimore will win a lot of games even if some of them do not develop into stars and the others play at a high level of proficiency. Moving down the list, let’s.
In each of his first three seasons, Justin Madubuike’s sack output has increased by at least double. Eleven sacks would result from the defensive tackle doubling once more. Though I admire Madubuike’s mindset, that seems idealistic given his skills. He claimed that he keeps raising his 2023 targets instead of sticking with them.
Patrick Queen is in a comparable predicament. Queen, who is about to begin his contract year, is hoping to earn a sizable salary because he has demonstrated the kind of plays that bring in money. Queen hopes to suspend the league, and having Roquan Smith by her side for the entire season will help.
Amazing athletes Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are receiving the tools from new coach Chuck Smith to elevate their game. This week, I spoke with both of them, and they are ravenous. Oweh’s camp is off to a “stellar” start, according to head coach John Harbaugh.
Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams both have a chance to play in the Pro Bowl this season. Williams has a great deal of swagger when he plays, and Hamilton seems perfectly at ease in his new role. Because of these two, the first-team offense in camp has seen very few big plays.
Todd Monken is not one to hold back. He stated this week that the offense is “not really good right now,” so I took it as a wake-up call. He will not mince words when it comes to his players. Monken will be demanding, and the stakes are high for both this offense and him.
This season, the Ravens will throw a lot more passes to their running backs. J.K. Dobbins should be happy about that, but in order to benefit, he must practice. Dobbins can catch passes quite well.
This season, the Ravens will throw a lot more passes to their running backs. J.K. Dobbins should be happy about that, but in order to benefit, he must practice. Dobbins can catch passes from the backfield quite well. Nevertheless, he would benefit himself by locking into a rhythm with Lamar Jackson.
The progress of a few key players, including Dobbins, outside linebacker Tyus Bowser, fullback Patrick Ricard, and running back Rashod Bateman (foot), will be closely monitored this coming week. The Ravens’ health is far better now than it was a year ago, but these players must return soon.
