Ebony Bird
FanSided

Baltimore Ravens preseason lessons: Outside linebackers

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a sack by running off of the field against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a sack by running off of the field against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 08: Devante Mays #33 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 08: Devante Mays #33 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

2. Jaylon Ferguson has some developing to do:

Jaylon Ferguson has some work to do and there is no getting around it. His ways of getting into the backfield are limited. He is another example of how the transition to from the NCAA to the NFL isn’t an easy one. Ferguson is sculpted perfectly for job that he has. He has explosive burst, incredible power and length. These traits are going to get him where he wants to be. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen automatically and his preseason performance has shown that.

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It hasn’t been bad for Ferguson, but he hasn’t been a dominant force off the edge. He’s had moments where he has come close to a sack, and he’s gotten a couple of good hurries on the quarterback. It just doesn’t look natural for him at this level. At Louisiana Tech it was too easy and he leaned on his traits. It helped him set the NCAA career sack record. In the NFL, even against backups, it is a little more complicated. Ferguson has to learn to be a great outside linebacker, not just a great athlete. He can’t bull rush on every play and expect to have consistent results.

The Ravens should put him in on passing situations, let him put his hand in the dirt and tell him to go get the quarterback. The preseason has humbled Ferguson enough. Getting his confidence up by letting him do what he does best is a good idea. If Ferguson makes an impact as a rookie it doesn’t look like it will be as a starter (at least not for now). The Ravens have to see if he can be a pass rushing specialist, letting him grow into the position in his comfort zone.

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