The Baltimore Ravens saw flashes of greatness from linebacker Patrick Queen in his rookie season. But in 2021, he has a chance to truly break out.
That’s the sentiment shared by NFL Network’s Adam Rank who referred to Queen as the Ravens’ potential breakout star of this season.
Queen showed promise as a rookie starting in all 16 games and leading the team with 106 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and 10 QB hits.
By all accounts, Queen had a successful rookie season. But his inconsistencies both in pass coverage and against the run held him back at points.
That could change in 2021, however.
Patrick Queen could be the Ravens’ breakout star in 2021.
Queen was considered a bit of a developmental project coming out of LSU. Sure, he did go on to start all 16 games as a rookie, but it was understood that he might need some time to develop in the NFL.
That much was evident last year.
While Queen made plenty of splash plays as evidenced by his three sacks, two forced fumbles, interception, and fumble return for a touchdown, he made his fair share of gaffes as well.
His horrendous 29.7 Pro Football Focus grade doesn’t tell the whole story, but it does paint a picture of a player whose inconsistencies limited his ceiling.
The Ravens want to see Queen be more consistent in 2021. And with an extra year of development now under his belt, they have every reason to believe that he will take a sizable leap forward in his sophomore NFL season.
Rank had the following to say about Queen’s potential for growth in 2021.
"“[Queen’s] going to be even better in Year 2, as he gets more comfortable in pass coverage. Guy has the tools, as a spectacular athlete, but playing linebacker in today’s pass-happy NFL ain’t easy. He’ll get there. Especially now that he’s getting a real offseason to prepare.”"
The Ravens will be relying on Queen to take that next step and lead their defense this season. Despite his struggles a year ago, hopes are high that Patrick Queen could be one of the breakout stars of the defense this season.
Only time will tell if their hopes come to fruition.