Baltimore Ravens are Confident Timmy Jernigan Can Replace Haloti Ngata

Nov 9, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (97) reacts after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of people were, perhaps understandably, freaking out after the Ravens traded Haloti Ngata to the Detroit Lions. After all, Ngata has anchored the team’s defensive front for a long time, becoming one of the best players in franchise history along the way.

But cutting ties with Ngata is more than a salary cap dump, it is a glowing vote of confidence in rising sophomore defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan, who looks like a future star after flashing serious talent in 2014. Despite playing in only 12 games his rookie season, Jernigan finished as Pro Football Focus’ 14th best 3-4 defensive end.

A second round pick last year, Timmy Jernigan wasted no time working his way into the Ravens’ defensive line rotation. He stepped right in when Ngata was suspended the last four games of the season as the Ravens went 3-1 and the 22 year old picked up four sacks.

John Harbaugh had nothing but praise for the youngster at this week’s NFL owner’s meetings. “Timmy Jernigan is a good, young player,” Harbaugh said Tuesday at the annual league meetings in Phoenix. “I have no doubts that he’s going to give it his best shot and he’s going to do well – the same thing with Brandon Williams. He’s proven himself.”

Along with Williams, who had a bit of a breakout season himself last year as the 10th best 3-4 nose tackle in PFF’s ratings, the Ravens can’t help but be confident in the future of their defensive line. Surely they will still look to add some depth, but the “new” core of this defense gives them plenty of hope for the future, and rightfully so.

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