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Rookie Report, Tavon Young, CB

By Joe Schiller

Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (18) has a pass knocked away by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tavon Young (36) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (18) has a pass knocked away by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tavon Young (36) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cornerback Tavon Young is next up in our Rookie Report Series

If there is any position the Baltimore Ravens struggle at, it is cornerback. It has always seemed to be the weak link for the defense. Whether it is injuries or lack of depth, the Ravens are always looking to add more talent into their secondary. After making a major move to add Eric Weddle and free agency and moving Lardarius Webb to safety, the Ravens were looking to see what young talent they could find in the draft. Enter Tavon Young.

Young was a local high school prospect from Maryland that played his college ball at Temple. He had a very productive four years there, raking up 127 tackles and 7 interceptions. He got a lot of credit for being able to make all these plays at only 5’11”. At that size, he was a looked at as a cornerback that has the ability to play on the outside, but is more suited covering the slot. The Ravens had no problem with the lack of size and scooped up Young in the fourth round of the draft.

When he was drafted: 104th (4th round)

What was said about Young coming into the draft:

"Strengths: Plays bigger and more physically than his listed height/weight. Drives through receivers with force at the point of the catch and can jar the ball free. Plays with winning ball skills. Grabbed four interceptions and had 14 passes defensed in 2014. Crowds receivers upfield and gets his head around to find the ball.Weaknesses: Teeny­-tiny. Gets grabby and starts to maul when running with big receivers. Flagged for five pass interference penalties this season. Doesn’t have twitch or fluid change of direction found in most smallish corners. Gets caught guessing on route recognition. Open to a side early and, at times, in the wrong direction."

Size Doesn’t Matter

You know the old saying here.. and it directly applies to  Young. Coming into the draft his size was a major concern, but his strengths completely made up for it.  For a little man, his physicality and ball skills made up for it. Out of all the Ravens rookies, Young had arguably the best season. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the third best rookie cornerback in 2016, only behind Jalen Ramsey and James Bradberry. Keep in mind, both were drafted before him.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: 3 Draft Alternatives To Reuben Foster

For a third round pick, Young was an absolute steal. When Jimmy Smith was out, he had his trouble against bigger receivers like Dez Bryant.  But to be fair, any cornerback will have their troubles against the top receivers in the league. When Young was placed in the slot and against smaller receivers, he was very productive. As a rookie he started 11 games and finished with two interceptions. For a third round pick, you do not expect that kind of production in his rookie year. As he got more playing time, he continued to improve and get better. With a healthy Jimmy Smith back and Brandon Carr to cover the outside, Young will be able to flourish this season.

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