Baltimore Ravens: Predicting individual awards in 2019

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree #15 against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 21: Defensive Back Anthony Levine #41 of the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker Patrick Onwuasor #48 celebrate after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Most Underappreciated: Patrick Onwuasor

As I said at the top, C.J. Mosley’s absence is tough to get over for Ravens fans. He manned the middle of the defense for five seasons. Patrick Onwuasor has slowly developed into Mosley’s replacement after playing by his side for three seasons, two of them as a starter. Onwuasor is an athletic and rangy linebacker with speed and versatility up the middle. He can cover, blitz and tackle. The transition up the middle may be easier than anticipated.

Onwuasor is not as well-known outside of the Ravens circle among NFL fans. His 2018 season was incredible, still. He tallied 59 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and an interception. Eight of his tackles were behind the line of scrimmage. Onwuasor racked up 88 tackles during the 2017 season when he first cracked the starting lineup, as well.

Since becoming the starter, Onwuasor has made noise for the Baltimore Ravens. His impact on the game can be felt at all levels which holds immense value from inside linebackers. His role will grow in 2019 as he steps up as the top linebacker on the roster.

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He may not be a Pro Bowl player or a superstar product, but Onwuasor will have an enormous impact on the defense. Baltimore is in good hands despite the roster turnover.

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