Baltimore Ravens: 5 Players Who Could Take Next Step In 2017
4. Matt Judon:
2016 was Judon’s rookie campaign. We knew he would be a little raw as he took the leap from Grand Valley State to the NFL. Judon showed flashes of brilliance in 2016. He recorded 4 sacks and was a key contributor off the bench. The Ravens have to hope Judon can become a full time starter. They have to hope he can be their next great outside linebacker.
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Judon has all the physical trait you look for in an outside linebacker. He has a thick 6’3″ frame. When he gets a full head of steam he is a hard 275 pound man to handle. In many ways Judon reminds me of a young Terrell Suggs. Suggs came into the league as a confident pass rusher who needed to work on his run stuffing abilities. Judon needs to develop and he’s more raw than Suggs was at this point. There is a big difference between playing at Grand Valley State and Arizona State.
The one thing we know is that Judon belongs on the NFL stage. He has the potential to be a great player. What the Ravens do at outside linebacker this offseason, will show you how much they value Judon. Elvis Dumervil is presumably out the door. If they don’t bring in another outside linebacker, Judon has a golden opportunity.