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The 3 most important rookies from the Ravens 2019 NFL Draft class

By Chris Schisler

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 01: Wide receiver Marquise Brown #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Owls 63-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 01: Wide receiver Marquise Brown #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Owls 63-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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FRISCO, TX – DECEMBER 20: Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl on December 20, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX – DECEMBER 20: Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl on December 20, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Jaylon Ferguson:

The Ravens pass rushing situation has to be the big question mark for the defense. The defense is going to have to get things done differently, with a different cast of outside linebackers. Most of the Ravens outside linebackers are unproven or trying to get their career on the right track. Ferguson is the one outside linebacker the Ravens have with a fresh slate. He has the chance to come in and make a difference as a rookie. Baltimore needs players to make an impact opposite of Matt Judon.

The Ravens two top sack artists from last season are wearing another team’s jersey. Ferguson doesn’t have to replace the production of two players. Without a solid rookie season from Ferguson though, it’s hard to see the Ravens piling up enough sacks and quarterback hurries. Ferguson and a player to be named later have to make up for what the defense lost via free agency. It could be Ferguson and Shane Ray. It could be Ferguson and Tyus Bowser. It doesn’t matter. The key is that Ferguson has to be part of the answer.

Next. 3 big things from Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft. dark

The Ravens need three things to happen. Baltimore needs their first round pick to give them a star for the offense, that changes how teams have to prepare for to play them. They need their rookie guard to win the starting job and save them from less than exciting options. Finally, they need Ferguson to provide pass rush. If these three things happen, the draft was an immediate success. Anything else would just be gravy.

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