6 Ravens in line for more playing time in the 2022 season
By Justin Fried
3. Broderick Washington, DL, Ravens
The Ravens will be looking to revamp and retool their defensive line in the offseason. Most importantly, they’re looking to get younger with the likes of Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams, and Justin Ellis hitting free agency.
One young player currently on the roster who could be in line for a larger role, as a result, is Broderick Washington. A fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Washington hasn’t done much so far in his NFL career.
The Texas Tech product appeared in 14 games this past season making two starts en route to playing a career-high 32 percent of defensive snaps.
Washington and fellow 2020 draft pick Justin Madubuike could be asked to play bigger roles in 2022, especially if Campbell doesn’t re-sign.
4. Ben Cleveland, OG, Ravens
When the Ravens drafted Ben Cleveland in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, they hoped they were landing a player who can start from day one and serve as an important upgrade on the interior of their offensive line.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman even called him the “best run blocker” in his class. Evidently, the Ravens had high hopes for the former Georgia standout.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued Cleveland during his rookie season and limited him to just four starts. He might have every chance to earn the starting left guard job again this summer.
Assuming the Ravens don’t make any major guard additions, Cleveland might have the inside track to the starting job over the likes of Ben Powers and Tyre Phillips.