Ravens: 4 players that need to step up
#3: Arthur Brown
Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Arthur Brown (59) on the sidelines in the second half of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
A 2nd round pick in 2013, the expectations for Brown were extremely high. Viewed as the successor to Ray Lewis, Brown was thrust into the spotlight very early. However, he was never able to get his feet off the ground.
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Struggling to learn the playbook, understand the defense, and recognize offensive plays, Brown never managed to break into the depth chart. Used as a situation 3rd down linebacker in his rookie year, Brown was mediocre at best.
And, after the Ravens drafted CJ Mosley in the 1st round of the 2014 draft, Brown never saw the field on defense in his second season, as Mosley earned the full time position. Brown was also severely outplayed on special teams by 2014 UDFA Zachary Orr and longtime special teams ace Albert McClellan.
Brown was a healthy scratch from 12 games last season, and when he was active, he barely saw the field. This offseason, many of the fans and analysts had all but given up on him. Maybe the expectations were far too high, or maybe everyone desperately wanted to see him succeed, but Brown has not shown that he is worthy of a roster spot.
With one last opportunity this season, this is do or die for him. If he struggles this season, he will not get another opportunity.
Next: #4: Kapron Lewis-Moore