Ebony Bird
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Lock and reload: 2021 Baltimore Ravens defensive wish list 1.0

By Ronald Toothe

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Inside linebacker Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after returning a fumble for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Inside linebacker Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after returning a fumble for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens
Nov 1, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen (48) look into the back before the snap during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Middle linebackers: Patrick Queen, L.J. Fort, Malik Harrison, Chris Board

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. LJ Fort may very well be the most underrated Ravens signing in recent years given the stability he’s brought to the middle of this linebacker group. As the young players around him continue to improve and become consistent pros he’ll likely be relied on less and less, but still a great veteran playmaker to have.

Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison both had solid rookie seasons, with Queen getting most of the recognition given his first-round selection. Yes, there are PLENTY of areas both can improve in, most notably in pass coverage, but after year one it’s hard to not be confident in the future of the position with these two only getting better.

Chris Board will be interesting, as a player who’s a restricted free agent he may, unfortunately, end up on the chopping block. The Ravens will likely penny-pinch at their positions of strength in order to address other holes, so that tender may be a little rich for Eric Decosta and companies’ blood. If they can restructure and bring him back on a friendlier deal though, he’d be a great rotational piece and staple special teamer in 2021.

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