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Baltimore Ravens: 5 Players Who Could Take Next Step In 2017

By Chris Schisler

Nov 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman (18) catches a touchdown over Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman (18) catches a touchdown over Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (78) celebrates his fumble recovery for a touchdown with teammates Matt Judon (91) and Willie Henry (69) during the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (78) celebrates his fumble recovery for a touchdown with teammates Matt Judon (91) and Willie Henry (69) during the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michael Pierce:

The Ravens can very easily go into the next season without their star nose guard, Brandon Williams. Michael Pierce, who was an undrafted free agent from Samford, may be the next great nose guard for the Ravens. Pierce has one of the biggest motors that I have ever seen on a 339 pound defensive lineman. This is the hungriest young player on the Ravens and it’s not even close.

Pierce assisted on 35 tackles and had 19 solo tackles in his rookie year. He also had two sacks and even got to start a game. This is a player who had to scratch and claw his way onto the roster with dominant performances in the preseason. I think Pierce can end up being better than Williams in the long run. Williams is a run clogging defensive tackle. Pierce is as well, but he has more potential as a pass rusher.

The Ravens may need Pierce to step up in his sophomore season. Pierce has a ton of talent and gets a ton of push off the line of scrimmage. If Pierce stays this hungry, he’s in for a monster career.

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