4 sleepers the Ravens could target in 2022 NFL Draft
By Kristen Wong
2. The Ravens could target: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
Montana State linebacker Troy Andersen is a jack-of-all-trades, master of…well, let’s just say he could become Patrick Queen’s partner-in-crime under the right coaching.
Throughout college, the newly converted linebacker has played quarterback, running back, fullback, and even punted. That kind of selfless, play-where-the-team-needs-me attitude will fit right in at Baltimore, where the coaches also covet versatility more than most.
Andersen notched 147 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups in 15 games last season — not bad for someone so new at the position.
Also projected to be taken in the fourth round, Andersen is undeniably a work in progress, more a lump of clay than a finished product. His best attributes may be his speed and ability to play in space, but he doesn’t take contact in the run game well and needs to work on his pass coverage.
This offseason, Baltimore recently brought back veteran Josh Bynes to bolster the defense, but Bynes can’t save the team every year.
The Ravens’ linebacker unit stands as one the more overlooked positions given the young talent it already holds (Queen, Malik Harrison), and in truth Andersen could turn out to be little more than a rotational special teams piece.
Still, Andersen possesses exciting upside and at best could develop into a player similar to the Cincinnati Bengals’ Logan Wilson. He’s a special kid.