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Baltimore Ravens: 5 Reason Why They Can Be Contenders In 2017

By Joe Schiller

Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 53 yard field goal in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 53 yard field goal in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL: Preseason-Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens
NFL: Preseason-Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens /

Emergence of Young Talent

Even though the Ravens did not perform well as a team this season, we saw the emergence of some great young talent

Ronny Stanley and Alex Lewis are the foundation for the offensive line. Both started in their rookie seasons and held their own. Stanley started out the season with some growing pains, but finished playing like one of the best tackles in the league. He and Lewis are both mature upon their years.

The rookie lineman up front paved the way for a star to be born in Kenneth Dixon. He impressed in the second half of the season and his ability to run and catch the ball is scary. When the Ravens hopefully (I saw this with optimism) get back to the ground game, we will see Kenneth Dixon in the end-zone many times in 2017.

On the defensive side, there are two rising stars as linebacker. C.J. Mosely is becoming one of the best linebackers in the league. He has not only shown his ability to stop the run, but to also cover in the passing game as well. Along side of him, un-drafted rookie Zachary Orr had a breakout season. He has a nose for finding the ball and led the team in tackles with 133. Both are only 24 years old and have their better days ahead of them.

As mentioned before, lets not forget Tavon Young in the secondary. Because of depth problems in the secondary, Young was plugged in and played very well. Even with a size disadvantage, he used his scrappiness to make up for it.

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