Who is going to be C.J. Mosley’s costar in the middle of the Baltimore Ravens defense?
Ever since he entered the league in 2014, C.J. Mosley has proven himself to be a stud middle linebacker. He is a three-time pro bowler, as well as a three-time second-team All-Pro. In 2016, he finally got somebody next to him in Zach Orr. Next to Mosley, Orr proved to be a solid addition, even getting a second-team All-Pro nod as well.
However, Orr caught himself and the Ravens by surprise by being forced to retire. He had a spine condition that forced him to have to stop playing. This unfortunate event, for both Orr and the team, left the organization in a bind. Going into 2017, Ravens fans thought they had the best linebacker tandem in the league, and all of it came crashing down.
In comes Patrick Onwuasor, an undrafted free agent who had contributed on special teams. He finally got his chance, and he won the job from Kamalei Correa. Onwuasor did a decent job there, but it is obvious the Ravens are looking for an upgrade at the position.
The Candidates for the job:
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In the 4th round, the Ravens drafted Kenny Young, a linebacker out of UCLA. One thing Young can do, is run. Young is probably the fastest linebacker in this rookie class, and will immediately help cover tight ends. Young also had good size, at 6’2″, 235 lbs, so tight ends wont be able to bully him too much. If Young can prove himself in training camp, he should be the favorite to land the starting spot. He seems to be the most talented out of the group.
Another option is Bam Bradley. Bam Bradley came in as an undrafted rookie last season, and impressed the coaching staff. He ended up making the 53-man roster, and as a key special teams player. It was believed by some he would end up taking Onwuasor’s spot, but his season was cut short. Bradley tore his ACL in week 2 and was placed on IR. If Bradley comes back healthy and continues to progress, he could be a dark horse candidate for the job.
Who will be the guy?
Lastly, they could always stick with Onwuasor. In no way was Onwuasor bad, he was actually much better than expected. However, many Ravens fans just felt like the team needed an upgrade. He was average in run support, and didn’t offer much in coverage. But he is still young and is cost controlled, so it is possible the team expects him to progress in those areas.
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My best guess is Kenny Young will end up winning the job. It may be that Patrick Onwuasor begins the season as the starter and Kenny Young steps in later, but it is obvious the Ravens do need an upgrade. Bam Bradley could be a possibility and hopefully we will get to see more of him in preseason. But for now, Kenny Young seems to be the most talented out of the group, as well as the most ideal fit.