The Baltimore Ravens Should Trade Timmy Jernigan

Timmy Jernigan is the most inconsistently good player on the Ravens roster. If the Ravens can get something for him, it would be better than simply losing him next offseason:

Timmy Jernigan finished the 2015 season with 37 combined tackles and 4 sacks. Three of those sacks happened during weeks 5, 8 and 16 respectively. The fourth was a combination of two half sacks recorded in weeks 6 and 12 respectively. It was odd to see Jernigan heat up midway through the season and eventually fizzle out. But although these weren’t Pro Bowl caliber numbers, it was only Jernigan’s second year and needed more experience to develop as a former second round pick.

More from Ebony Bird

Jernigan finished last season with 31 combined tackles and 5 sacks. It truly seemed that he was getting on track after recording a sack in each of the first three games of the season. According to Pro Football Focus, He was the only 3-4 defensive end to earn three sacks at that point in the year. Jernigan was finally showcasing his ability to consistently apply pressure and force opposing o-lines into double teaming him. He also proved to be a coverage threat too after he notched two passes defended in week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. But this hot start was not long-lived. Through weeks 10 to 17, Jernigan only recorded one sack. Once again, he seemed to randomly disappear at times and lack the same intensity he began the year with.

Trouble With Mistakes:

Jernigan is known for committing bonehead mistakes that have gotten him placed in head coach John Harbaugh’s doghouse every now and then. In 2015 during week 2 against the Oakland Raiders, Jernigan was charged with a late hit on quarterback Derek Carr. The ensuing 15-yard penalty put the Raiders in field goal position and helped them secure a 37-33 win. Jernigan showed no signs of improvement later in the season. In week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks, Jernigan was charged with an unnecessary roughness call and was forced to sit out one play. In week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he committed a late hit once again on quarterback Alex Smith on a drive that would have ended in a punt. The penalty helped the Chiefs complete an 89-yard touchdown drive.

In 2016 during week 7 against the New York Jets, Jernigan recovered a fumble on the Raven’s 2-yard line. Instead of simply falling on top of the ball like most defensive lineman would do, Jernigan attempted to take it the distance. Instead, he fumbled the ball on the 5-yard line and gave the Jets the easy opportunity to score a touchdown on their next possession.

Moving on From Timmy Trouble

Timmy Jernigan is very talented and plays with the type of intensity and high motor that fits the mold of a Ravens defensive lineman. But more often than not, he’s been overshadowed by his inconsistent play. Also he has a tendency to commit frustrating penalties. With that being said, Jernigan is somewhat expendable with plenty of young talent to fill his vacancy. The Ravens locked up Brandon Williams to a 5-year $52.5 million contract to be their anchor on the line. The roster also boasts Michael Pierce, Brent Urban, Bronson Kaufusi, Carl Davis and Willie Henry. The team is deep with defensive linemen.

The Bottom Line:

Jernigan is also entering a contract year and will be looking to earn his bucks next offseason. If not traded, he’ll be joining C.J. Mosely on the Ravens list of unrestricted free agents to sign. It’s safe to say that Jernigan clearly isn’t the main priority of the two players.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: 3 ways to get better in the NFL Draft

If the Ravens are able to trade for a 3rd or 4th-round pick to add to their already large total of draft selections, Ozzie could feel very inclined to give Jernigan a seat on the trading block.

Home/Ravens News