Keenan Reynolds Drafted By The Baltimore Ravens

Keenan Reynolds Was A Great Pick

In 1963, Roger Staubach led Navy to the national championship game; the Midshipmen lost the game to Texas, finishing the season ranked second in the nation. Since that season, Navy finished ranked in the top 25 only twice.

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Keenan Reynolds, drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens, started at quarterback for Navy for the past four years. This past season, Reynolds navigated the Midshipmen to the most wins (11) in the program’s 122 year history. He also set individual records for most career rushing yards for a quarterback (4,559 yards) and the most touchdowns scored (88); however, the senior quarterback did not get an invite for the Heisman even with over 1,300 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns to go along with 1,200 plus passing yards.

In February, Navy retired Keenan Reynolds #19 making it only the fourth retired number in the long history of Navy football. He joins Staubach (#12), Joe Bellino (#27), and Napolean McCallum (#30) in this honor. Staubach and Bellino both won the Heisman.

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The Ravens quietly scouted Keenan Reynolds throughout the offseason. They met with him at the East-West Shrine Game as Reynolds participated as a running back. Despite not playing in the game due to stiffness in his back, his leadership ability was clearly defined as his

teammates voted him a team captain

for the game.

As the rookie process continued for many top prospects, Reynolds often was not included. Much like the Heisman Award Ceremony, Keenan Reynolds was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but both the Colts and Patriots invited him to workout. Reynolds also attended the local area Pro Day hosted by the Ravens.

Reynolds is determined to work hard for the Ravens. The current plan includes lining up as a slot receiver on offense and returning punts.

Of course, this is still all contingent on the Navy allowing him to play. Last season, the Patriots drafted Joe Cardona from Navy. Cardona received permission to play, but he also works one day a week and evenings at the Naval Preparatory Academy in Newport, Rhode Island.  Reynolds hopes for a similar allowance but each case is different.

Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach served five years before leaving the Navy and joining the Dallas Cowboys. In more recent years, David Robinson of NBA fame served two years before finishing his service in the reserves while playing for the San Antonio Spurs.

Next: Ravens Rookie Profile: Kamalei Correa

Assuming he can play right away, Keenan Reynolds projects to develop into a Julian Edelman type slot receiver. The Ravens spent money and draft picks picking up deep threats over the past two seasons, but they have lacked a true possession receiver since the departure of Anquan Boldin and Daniel Pitta’s inability to stay healthy. Keenan Reynolds may have a chance to contribute in a much bigger way than most sixth round picks.