When it comes to the most electrifying players in the NFL, many reside with the Baltimore Ravens. Their quarterback, Lamar Jackson, and running back, Derrick Henry, are two of the best in the league at their respective positions and are always in award conversations. Even wide receiver Zay Flowers is growing into one of the most dynamic weapons with the ball in his hands, and he is becoming a centerpiece of this dangerous unit.
The offensive line is the backbone of the operations, as multi-time Pro Bowlers Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum head a top-10 front in the league. Offensive guard Daniel Faalele also earned praise last season, being named a Pro Bowl alternate. However, one blocker deserves more praise, and he may be the most crucial yet underrated player in the Ravens’ offense.
Patrick Ricard deserves more recognition
Fullback Patrick Ricard has been a key factor in Baltimore’s offense for the past eight years. He began his career as a versatile fullback and defensive tackle. Now, he is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro team member. Still, he does not get the recognition he deserves in the eyes of the media, and Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden has taken notice.
On an episode of The Lounge Podcast, Baltimore Ravens media members Garrett Downing and Clifton Brown interviewed Gruden after he attended a team practice last week. During the brief discussion, Gruden highlighted Ricard as one of his favorite players and his number-one “Gruden Grinder.”
“I don’t think anyone realizes what [Ricard] does,” Gruden said. “When you watch it carefully, Ricard is the lead blocker on the isolation for Derrick Henry. He kicks out on the power play. He pass protects against Myles Garrett on some of these play-action passes.”
Gruden compared the 31-year-old to Marshal Yanda, who led one of the nastiest lines in football for years, emphasizing his importance to Baltimore.
Fullback is not a pretty position. They do all the dirty work when called upon to help keep the chains moving. In Ricard’s case, almost nothing is possible without him. He always does what is expected of him and is the engine that makes this Ravens offense run.
He even acts as a weapon out of the backfield at times. He has accounted for seven receiving touchdowns throughout his career, including one in each of the past two seasons. He truly does it all and demonstrates what it means to play like a Raven on and off the field.
In 2025, Ricard should once again prove he is the best fullback in football and a highly valuable blocker in all facets of the game. He is coming off a first-team All-Pro season in 2024 after he helped propel Baltimore’s offense to the best in the league, and 2025 could be even better.