The Baltimore Ravens have big plans for linebacker Patrick Queen in 2021. The second-year pro promises to be the new-and-improved version of him himself this season after an inconsistent rookie campaign.
And with that new version will come a new number.
Queen was one of the players to take advantage of the NFL’s rule change regarding jersey numbers as he switched from the No. 48 he wore during his rookie season to his new No. 6.
Of course, in a perfect world, Queen would be able to switch back to the number he donned while at LSU. Unfortunately for his sake, his teammate and star quarterback Lamar Jackson is the man in possession of that number.
And it’s doubtful that changes anytime soon. Queen had some fun with Jackson when explaining why he chose his new number saying, “Somebody tell Lamar we still need to switch.”
The Ravens have high hopes for Patrick Queen in 2021 and beyond.
Queen went on to explain his own personal reasons as to why he made the switch from 48 to 6 stating the following in an interview with team media last week.
"“Single-digit swag – just the swagger that comes with it, just the feel that comes with it. Back home, the place that we come from, we call it ‘6,’ so everybody who’s got clothing brands, rappers or whatever it may be, they’ve got ‘6’ in their name somewhere. So, that’s what I try do – just try to put the city on me, try to show them where I’m from. That’s all there really is about it.”"
While Queen will likely never regain ownership of the No. 8 jersey he wore in college (if all goes according to plan), it’s nice that he now has a personal attachment to his new number.
And here’s to hoping it helps him take that next step in 2021.
Queen flashed at times during his rookie season making the splash plays. Three sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown were highlights of Queen’s rookie year.
However, for as many highlight-reel plays that Queen was a part of, he had just as many gaffes in coverage or in run defense.
Cleaning up his game and becoming more consistent are two things that the 2020 first-rounder must work on this season.
If he’s going to harness his immense athleticism and fully reach his ceiling, he’ll have to work on the fundamentals and master the little things.
Patrick Queen is hoping for a new version of himself in 2021 — one that will also feature a cosmetic makeover in the form of a new jersey number.