What could Baltimore Ravens rookie round-one pick Patrick Queen accomplish as a rookie? We break it down with some stat projections for the 20-year old.
The Baltimore Ravens are accustomed to stellar play from the inside linebacker position. Ray Lewis set the bar too high for anyone to live up to, but there’s been plenty of high-quality guys like Bart Scott and C.J. Mosley along the way. Now, former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen will look to place his name among these men as a rookie.
Queen became the first player from LSU to be selected by the Baltimore Ravens in franchise history and he’ll have a lot of eyes on him in year one. Baltimore has seen some major turnover at the position recently, as both starters from 2018 (Mosley and Patrick Onwuasor) have left via Free Agency. The depth chart was very weak heading into the 2020 NFL Draft and Queen’s selection in the first round means he’s going to be relied upon to be a starter and difference-maker immediately.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
With all that in mind, what can we reasonably expect from Patrick Queen in year one?
Queen wasn’t a full-time starter until his final year with the LSU Tigers but he became an instant star once he did see the field. Queen led the team in tackles (85) while also proving to be extremely adept in coverage. His silky smooth hips and speed make him a dangerous presence in the middle of the defense.
It’s Patrick Queen’s coverage that likely made him Baltimore’s selection in round one, as the middle of the defense was vulnerable in 2019. Queen will provide an immediate upgrade there.
Another thing Queen has going for him is the terrific defensive line in front of him. Big bodies like Brandon Williams will eat up blocks and allow Queen to cleanly knife his way into the backfield. The line also has stud pass rushers in Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe to make Queen effective as a pass rusher, as well.
When looking at everything Baltimore has on paper it seems very likely that Patrick Queen will find immediate success. Queen will be able to patrol the defense without worry of being swallowed up or overwhelmed. The Ravens have a ton of supporting talent to ensure that Queen can get off to a hot start and perhaps even contend for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Patrick Queen could certainly wow as a rookie, but we should still keep our expectations moderate. Queen was just a one-year starter and expecting him to be a star from the moment he steps on the died isn’t entirely fair. Still, I expect Queen to become a key cog in the middle of this defense and put up some very solid numbers to get fans excited.
Patrick Queen projected 2020 stats: 80 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions