Promising Ravens Rookie Class Earns Solid Grade
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The Baltimore Ravens' young talent undoubtedly helped them to a 10-7 finish and a run to the NFL Playoffs after missing the postseason in 2021. After one of the largest draft classes in franchise history with 11 selections, the Ravens rookies provided optimism for the future.
The youth movement is strong in the NFL, with multiple rookies making major impacts in crucial moments. Unsurprisingly, the New York Jets had the best rookie class, according to NFL.com, with rookies Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson each earning a Rookie of the Year Honor.
How does the Ravens' rookie class compare? Baltimore's 2022-23 class ranked No. 5 of the 32 teams. Here is what NFL.com said of the Ravens' rookies:
Kyle Hamilton didn't start every game at safety, but he fit rather nicely in coordinator Mike Macdonald's defense, making a notable impact while filling a slot role in the nickel package in the second half of the season. He finished with a strong Pro Football Focus grade of 82.3 on defense, displaying an ability to play effective coverage and provide quality run support while taking the first steps in what could be a long, productive career.
Tyler Linderbaum was another solid pick, stepping into a starting role immediately and serving as the Ravens' No. 1 center for his entire rookie season. Both Linderbaum and Hamilton earned Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team selections.
David Ojabo made three appearances (including the playoffs) and only logged considerable snaps in one of them (Week 18), but the fact he played at all after tearing his Achilles during his Pro Day workout was an achievement. With one sack recorded, Ojabo briefly demonstrated why the Ravens risked a second-round pick on him.
Travis Jones followed a route that was typical of a third-round pick, filling a rotational role and showing occasional flashes of a brighter future -- he finished with 24 tackles and one sack. Daniel Faalele didn't see a ton of snaps and thus didn't have much of a chance to show off his skills or improvement. He's a project player at this point.
Both of the first-round picks, Linderbaum and Hamilton, look to be excellent additions to the team as they look to make the second-year jump. Of note, tight end Isaiah Likely has a promising future after filling in for starter Mark Andrews. Likely finished with the third-most targets of any pass-catcher on Baltimore's roster, with 36 catches, 373 yards, and three touchdowns.
The Ravens are currently scouting the NFL Combine in search of the next best class. The combine runs from Feb. 27 to March 6 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the favorite (-175) to be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears own the first pick, however, there are multiple quarterback-needy teams who may desire to trade up. The draft will take place at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. with the first round beginning on April 27.
With five selections in the upcoming draft, the Ravens are expected to channel their inner “Top Gun” by filling a “need for speed.”
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