Baltimore Ravens 2019 NFL Draft class superlatives
By Mike Reid
The pick who will quickly become a fan-favorite: Jaylon Ferguson (EDGE, pick #85)
Ravens fans have been blessed to watch some of the best defensive players ever wear purple and black over the years. As a franchise that prides itself on great defense, most of the premiere players and fan favorites on past teams come on the defense. With the current Ravens defense going through a recent turnover, young players are going to have to step up for the defense to return to its top-ranked form from a year ago.
Pass rusher Jaylon Ferguson has a chance to be that next great Ravens defender. You don’t get the name “Sack Daddy” if you aren’t a beast on the field, and Ferguson is arguably the most productive edge defender in college history. After posting 17.5 sacks in his senior season at Louisiana Tech, Ferguson broke the all-time NCAA record for sacks in a career with 45. Besting the all-time record held by former Ravens legend Terrell Suggs. It only makes sense Ferguson is now trying to replace Suggs on the Ravens defense.
Ferguson is big, psychical and plays defense like a Raven. He will compete with Tyus Boswer and Tim Williams for starting reps as the other edge defender across from Mathew Judon. I would not be surprised if Ferguson wins the starting job, he is that talented at rushing the passer. If Ferguson’s college production translates and he gets after opposing QB’s, there will be plenty of #45 jerseys in the crowd at M&T Bank Stadium this year and beyond.