The Baltimore Ravens have a long history of promising young undrafted linebackers making the team as rookies and Josh Ross is poised to follow in their footsteps.
The rookie out of Michigan was among those who survived final roster cuts this week, a testament to how well he played this summer. In fact, the Ravens are currently carrying a whopping six inside linebackers on their roster.
There was no need to keep Ross. He just forced his way onto the team and made it impossible for the Ravens to cut him.
That’s what so many of his predecessors did as well, including two of his teammates — Josh Bynes and Kristian Welch. Others such as Patrick Onwuasor, Zach Orr, Bart Scott, Albert McClellan, Jameel McClain, and Dannell Ellerbe all did the same.
The Ravens love finding and developing undrafted linebackers. There’s no reason why Ross can’t find similar (if not more) success than those mentioned above.
Josh Ross could be poised for big things with the Ravens
A two-year team captain and three-year starter at Michigan, Ross made a name for himself in college for his leadership, hot motor, and work ethic. Those traits are likely what endeared him to the Ravens following the draft.
It certainly helps that he played under now Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald at Michigan and that he has history with John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim. But this isn’t a case of nepotism.
Ross was one of the summer standouts at Ravens training camp, putting together a strong preseason in the process as well. He earned his place on the team, and he’s determined to earn even more than that.
"“I’ve really been working my butt off, and my head has been down the whole time, and it’s going to stay down. Now it’s just another opportunity to go out there and keep getting better and keep adding a resume to my name and keep proving myself every single day.”"
Ross may not be the most dynamic athlete. He may not have outstanding size or length. But what he does have is a hot motor and impeccable football instincts. Guys like that stick around in the NFL for a long time regardless of their physical limitations.
John Harbaugh raved about Ross’ special-teams abilities while Macdonald called him “one of the favorite players at Michigan that I’ve coached on a day-to-day basis.”
The coaching staff loves him. His teammates love him. And soon, Ravens fans will love him as well. Josh Ross is here to stay — he made that abundantly clear this summer.