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Ravens: Predicting which drafted rookies will play the most in 2018

By Jake McDonnell

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Orlando Brown #78 of the Oklahoma Sooners blocks Innis Gaines #6 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter during Big 12 Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Orlando Brown #78 of the Oklahoma Sooners blocks Innis Gaines #6 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter during Big 12 Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 18: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange during the game at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 18: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange during the game at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Class B: Moderate playing time

Without question, Ravens fans will foam at the mouth to see Jackson on the field in 2017, especially if the offense starts off slow. The reality is that unless Flacco suffers a serious injury, or the Ravens enter the month of December already out of playoff contention, Jackson’s time on the field in 2017 will be slim. Because of his exceptional ability as a play-maker, the Ravens’ coaching staff will certainly work him onto the field in special packages, but Flacco remains the starter for the time being. Nevertheless, the Ravens traded back into the first round to take Jackson, so they will get him playing time. It just won’t be much playing time, at least in 2017.

It could be argued that Averett will receive more playing time than Kenny Young this season, but Averett walks into a loaded cornerback position, whereas the Ravens’ depth at inside linebacker is slim. But, with Jimmy Smith still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, an opportunity could open up for Averett, especially early in the season. However, Brandon Carr and Marlon Humphrey will likely start even if Smith misses the first few weeks of the season, and Tavon Young has already impressed this summer after tearing his ACL during last year’s OTA’s. With all this talent in front of him, Averett will compete with the likes of Young and Maurice Canady to get on the field in 2018.

Must Read: Post OTA 53 man roster projection

All about the secondary and wide receiver groups:

DeShon Elliott joins Averett in the secondary, definitely in-line to back up Eric Weddle when the preseason gets underway. Elliott is a free safety, making Weddle and Chuck Clark the only names ahead of him on the depth chart. Until Weddle leaves Baltimore or retires, Elliott won’t get an opportunity to start, but he has time to contribute on special teams while developing as a corner. He will likely make the 53-man roster, but his 2018 contributions will likely fall on kickoffs and returns.

In their quest to revamp the wide receiving corps, the Ravens drafted two receivers on day three of the draft, the first being Jaleel Scott. The three veteran free agent wideouts joining Baltimore this season – Michael Crabtree, John Brown, and Willie Snead – will open the season as clear-cut starters. Beyond that, there’s a lot of questions. Chris Moore showed some development late last season and will likely make the roster. The same cannot be said for Breshad Perriman, meaning that Scott and Jordan Lasley will likely make the cut.

Like Elliott among other rookies, Scott will likely contribute on special teams early on, but if any Ravens wideout suffers an injury that keeps them out of games, the door will open for Scott to make an impact on offense.

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