Baltimore Ravens: Early 55-man roster predictions after the 2020 draft
By Samuel Teets
Linebackers (8): Tyus Bowser, Jaylon Ferguson, L.J. Fort, Malik Harrison, Matt Judon, Pernell McPhee, Patrick Queen, Jake Ryan
The Ravens added two new starting linebackers in the 2020 NFL Draft. With the 28th overall pick, Baltimore selected LSU’s Patrick Queen. The rookie steps into a role left devoid of Pro Bowl talent when C.J. Mosley signed with the New York Jets last offseason. The loss of Mosley severely weakened Baltimore’s linebacking corps, considering Mosley earned four Second-Team All-Pro selections in five years.
After securing their future star inside linebacker, the Ravens selected Ohio State’s Malik Harrison in the third round. While Harrison sometimes struggles in pass coverage, he’s a beast against the run. The rookie will battle with returning veteran L.J. Fort for starting time.
Jaylon Ferguson and Matt Judon also project as locks to make the final roster. Last year, Judon transformed from a decent pass rusher into a full-blown Pro Bowler. The former fifth-round pick started all 16 games for the first time in his career, producing 9.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits. Judon also set a single-season career-high with four forced fumbles.
Ferguson will also return in 2020, and the second-year player should battle for starting time at outside linebacker. He’ll compete with the aging Pernell McPhee, who missed most of last season with an injury. The Ravens initially drafted McPhee in 2011, but he returned to them last year after spending several seasons with other organizations.
That leaves Tyus Bowser and Jake Ryan battling for tossup positions on the defense. Last year, the Ravens did keep between seven to nine linebackers on the roster depending on the date, so it’s conceivable that both Bowser and Ryan make the final roster. If they do, then it means Chris Board won’t keep his spot for the 2020 season.