The NFL has increasingly become a league that values versatility above all. And one look at the Baltimore Ravens roster will tell you all you need to know about the changing of the tides in the football landscape.
Lamar Jackson is the superstar he is because of his dynamic versatility on offense. He has the ability to beat you downfield with his arm and break your ankles with his legs.
It’s what makes him the superstar he is.
And on defense, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is well known for his love of versatility. Whether it’s his use of his safeties or his many blitz schemes, Martindale loves his players to be versatile.
This isn’t just a phenomenon happening in football though. The entire sports world has changed with versatility becoming one of the most important traits an athlete can have.
The era of specialization is over.
Just take a look at what’s happening in baseball right now. Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani is arguably the most valuable player in the MLB because of his ability to double as an elite hitter and above-average pitcher.
And that got me thinking. Who is the Shohei Ohtani of the Ravens?
There’s one obvious answer — more on him later — but even aside from the name you’re all thinking of right now, there are a few other worthy candidates who could play two ways.
It’s July. Cut us some slack. We’re just trying to have fun.
Let’s take a look at four potential two-way players on the Ravens roster.