Ravens: 4 former draft picks in danger of losing their roster spot
By Justin Fried
3. Jaylon Ferguson, OLB, Ravens
Jaylon Ferguson has been a disappointment through his first two NFL seasons. There’s really no other way to frame it.
The all-time FBS sack leader made a living as a pass-rush specialist at Louisiana Tech. But in the NFL, he’s been anything but.
Ferguson has just 4.5 sacks in two years despite receiving ample playing time. The Ravens got tired of waiting for a breakout and instead made a number of additions this offseason to replace Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue.
Five outside linebackers are already guaranteed roster spots — Odafe Oweh, Justin Houston, Tyus Bowser, Pernell McPhee, and Daelin Hayes.
Ferguson should make it if the Ravens carry six, but that’s far from a given. It will likely require a strong finish to the summer for the Ravens to keep Ferguson on the active roster.
To his credit, he does look noticeably improved in training camp and is reportedly in excellent shape. But will it be enough? That much remains to be seen.
Ferguson could still sneak his way onto the 53-man roster, especially if he shines in the third and final preseason game.
But his roster spot is very much in jeopardy. The Justin Houston signing could have been the final nail in the coffin.