The Baltimore Ravens have seen countless players already emerge in preseason action. They’ve strung together two straight wins, and suffocating defense has been the name of the game. It’s a breath of fresh air to see an elite defense inching back into focus in Charm City.
Baltimore’s defense has been electric in every way imaginable. In their win over the Minnesota Vikings, the defensive line and pass rush took over. And undrafted defensive lineman Ethan Burke’s performance is something that can’t be talked about enough.
Burke had it going. He tallied his first career sack, was inches from a second, and forced a fumble. He also crowded throwing lanes by getting up and batting down two passes.
He was a monster.
The Texas product did everything he needed to do. It was a huge day that should vault him into 53-man roster conversations.
Ethan Burke could force Baltimore Ravens into impossible roster decision
If the Ravens had these kinds of difficult roster questions in their pass rush room at this time last year, it would’ve been an easy decision. They lacked talent and could’ve used literally anyone to reignite that unit. This time around is different.
This offseason, one of the priorities was putting their defensive line puzzle together. General manager Eric DeCosta added an influx of talent in the form of Trey Hendrickson, Zion Young, and Calais Campbell. For once, it’s a deep group.
That’ll make things tight. There may not be room to place Ethan Burke into that puzzle. If he keeps playing like he has, though, they'll have to force him into it.
Burke has a ton of the traits that coaches would love to get their hands on and develop for a full season. He stands at 6-foot-6, possesses devastating hands, and his motor is always running. All that helps him condense passing lanes when he gets his hands up—that was on full display in Saturday’s win.
The key for Burke, though, as with any undrafted rookie itching to make an active roster, will be special teams. That’s where his career will start; even if he does make the team, he will see very limited defensive reps, if any at all. Thankfully, he was a star on special teams in college.
Burke logged 427 special teams snaps at Texas. Clearly, the experience is there, and so is the standout play. His towering frame matched with his athleticism helped him block three field goals.
The young defensive lineman finished his collegiate career with a 90.6 special teams grade, per Pro Football Focus. That’s a player you should be okay with leaving an opening for, even if he’s primarily a special teams ace early in his career.
Burke also has an extra hidden edge in this potentially career-defining roster race: versatility. Many draft experts saw Burke as a tweener, contemplating if he’d stick on the edge or interior. The Ravens have focused on developing him as an edge, but he can kick inside if needed.
If Burke joins the fray, a seemingly positionless Jesse Minter-led unit could have more possibilities within reach.
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