Baltimore Ravens: Grading Jaylon Ferguson pick in 2019 NFL Draft
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta went into his first Day 2 of the NFL Draft and took an NCAA record-holder. Was it the right move?
At the start of the 2019 NFL Draft process, Louisiana Tech edge rusher Jaylon Ferguson was wildly considered a first-round prospect and deservedly so. Ferguson established himself as a college legend, a sure-fire future College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Now he’s joining the Baltimore Ravens.
Throughout his time at Louisiana Tech, Ferguson amassed an incredible 45 sacks, including 17.5 in 2018, which set the NCAA record for career sacks previously held by Ravens great Terrell Suggs. However, Ferguson didn’t live up to his stats during the offseason in regards to athletic testing.
After putting up some horrid numbers at his pro day (including a 3-cone drill over eight seconds), Ferguson’s stock started to fall hard and continued to plummet as analysts went back and evaluated those numbers with his film against small-school competition.
With that said, the Ravens are getting a player with excellent hands. Ferguson has long arms and does a great job using length to his advantage. While he’s not the most flexible, he’s powerful with a thick trunk, using that power to win off the edge.
The 6-5, 271-pound edge rusher also gives the Ravens a solid run defender. Defensive coordinator Don Martindale understands how to use a guy that lacks elite athletic ability. Matthew Judon, the 6-3, 270-pound edge rusher, carved out a decent career under Martindale’s tutelage.
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Like Judon, Ferguson can excel on the edge. With Tim Williams struggling to impress at this point, Ferguson has a chance to start in his rookie season. In the right situation, Ferguson could rush from the 3-technique. Ultimately, he’s a day one run defender that could surprise some people with his production. Solid pick by the Ravens that fits what they like to do.
Grade B+