The Baltimore Ravens ability to scout does not get enough credit, but they deserve it. Their ability to find undrafted rookies is incredible.
For the 14th season in a row, an undrafted free agent rookie will make the Baltimore Ravens 53-man roster. But not just one, three will be featured. As the Ravens made cuts last weekend, they kept DL Pat Ricard, CB Jaylen Hill and ILB Bam Bradley.
Not only is this impressive, but it shows how consistenly good the Ravens’ scouting has been over the years.
Led by Ozzie Newsome, the front office is one of the best when it comes to finding undrafted talent. They spend countless hours watching film and evaluating players who are overlooked. Sometimes for these players it’s just because they didn’t play at big time college program. That’s why you see the Ravens so heavily involved with events like the Senior Bowl.
Just take Jaylen Hill for example. The rookie corner went undrafted out of Jacksonville State and the Ravens were the only team to inquire about him. They brought Hill in for a tryout during rookie minicamp and the rest is history. Because of injuries to Tavon Young and Maurice Canady, Hill has stepped up and been one of the most impressive players for the team this preseason.
But it’s not just who the Ravens kept that’s impressive, it’s who they’ve cut as well. Six of the undrafted rookies on the team’s preseason roster made a regular season roster. Josh Woodrum, Taquan Mizzell and Donald Payne, all had a case to make the active roster. It didn’t work out with the team’s plans, but all three were claimed shortly after.
Great point, Carl
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 4, 2017
Not included, but also worth mentioning is Tim White. The undrafted wide receiver was on his way to making the 53-man roster before suffering a season ending thumb injury in the preseason.
I’m not the saying the scouting is perfect, they’ve definitely missed the mark on some, but their ability to find undrafted free agents is unprecedented.
How does this compare?
Including the three undrafted rookies, the Ravens will keep 10 total rookies on their 53-man roster this season. This includes their entire 2017 draft class. The Ravens are tied only behind the San Francisco 49ers on this mark.
Most rookies (drafted + UDFA) kept on 53-man rosters:
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) September 5, 2017
SF 15
BAL 10
CLE 10
LAC 10
LAR 10
MIN 10
MIA 10
WAS 10
When you look at the list of teams that kept a high number of rookies and undrafted players this season, a good chunk are rebuilding or not in contention. That isn’t the case for the Ravens. The undrafted rookies they bring on don’t just act as backups, the majority end up as key contributors. Ricard, Hill and Bradley should all see game time in week one. Ricard and Hill as potential starters and Bradley on special teams.
Just last season the Ravens had great success with undrafted players in Michael Pierce and Zach Orr. Pierce was a key rotation player on the defense line and thought to be the successor to Brandon Williams if he would have left in free agency. Orr started alongside C.J. Mosley at inside linebacker and finished the season as a second team All-Pro.
Next: Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 3 big things to think about
The common theme? Don’t overlook undrafted players or the Ravens will find them.