Terrence Brooks Has Talent, Will He Make His Way Into the Starting Defense?
I keep hoping that Terrence Brooks can become the playmaker he was at Florida State, with the Baltimore Ravens. Brooks came into the NFL as a strong safety with range. His ceiling looked so high. Now, Ravens fans are left wondering if that was all an illusion.
Related Story: Terrance Brooks: Unproven Or Bust
I’ve all but given up on Matt Elam. Elam had his chances. He has not even shown signs of any promise. I have not given up on Brooks. That talent did not go anywhere. His knee injury may have set him back but he merits another chance.
Brooks did a bit of everything at Florida State. It was one reason the Ravens felt comfortable investing a third round pick on him. We’re talking about a guy who lined up everywhere and anywhere and made plays. Brooks has struggled to grasp the speed of the game and the little things in Dean Pees’s defense.
But how could someone known for their versatility in college, be so limited in the professional ranks. It’s not like he played at a small college; he played on a National Championship FSU team.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
The Ravens have to get Brooks in attack mode. He’s a strong safety with range. He can help against the run, he can blitz and he can play deep. They just have to get Brooks to read and react, rather than playing tentatively.
But what are Brooks chances of even getting snaps on defense. The Ravens signed Eric Weddle. He figures to fill the strong safety spot. Ladarius Webb is pegged for the free safety role. Brooks goes into the season knowing, he may only have a spot secured on special teams.
Webb is an injury prone player. If and when he gets hurt, the Ravens could turn to Brooks. Weddle would presumably move back to free safety in this scenario. Weddle has the range and versatility to do it all. Brooks would be overwhelmed learning to play free safety.
If Brooks makes his way into the line up, it could change the defensive dynamic. The Ravens would have two physical safeties with speed. If Brooks reaches his full potential, it would be a combo like the Seahawks’ Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
Next: AFC North Battles: Joe Flacco Vs. Andy Dalton
The point is that it is too early to give up on Terrence Brooks. He was such a flashy play-maker at the college ranks. He has the physical ability. The Ravens need to figure out how to make it work.