Ravens: 4 players with something to prove in preseason Week 2
By Justin Fried
4. Jaylon Ferguson, OLB, Ravens
The Ravens are still waiting to see the best of Jaylon Ferguson after a pair of disappointing seasons from the former Louisiana Tech star.
Ferguson shined in college breaking the FBS record for career sacks previously set by Ravens legend Terrell Suggs. Unfortunately, his career couldn’t be further from the one Suggs had so far.
In two seasons, Ferguson has amassed just 4.5 sacks and time is running out for him to live up to the potential he showed at Louisiana Tech.
In fact, he finds himself fighting for a roster spot this summer.
The additions of Odafe Oweh, Daelin Hayes, and Justin Houston have revamped a pass rush corps that lost Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in the offseason. And it was that latter addition that put Ferguson on notice.
Oweh, Hayes, Houston, Pernell McPhee, and Tyus Bowser are all roster locks. If Ferguson is to make the team, it’ll require the Ravens to carry six outside linebackers.
They’ve done it before, but Ferguson’s play needs to warrant such a roster decision. He won’t be handed any roles based on draft status anymore.
Ferguson played well last Saturday finishing with four tackles and a half-sack, and he’ll have the opportunity to put together another strong performance this week against a lackluster Panthers offensive line.
Jaylon Ferguson must prove his worth — his roster spot depends on it.