The Baltimore Ravens took an interesting approach this season regarding their defensive departures. Cornerback Ronald Darby, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, and linebacker Patrick Queen found new homes for 2024. However, instead of adding new players via free agency, the Ravens turned internally to fill the new roster holes.
The strategy was scrutinized and criticized. The Ravens' defense which was elite last year was surely going to take a massive hit going into 2024. Fans collectively rolled their eyes at the seeming lack of urgency the team portrayed in the offseason.
However, the defensive side of the ball still has its stars. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey, defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike, linebacker Roquan Smith, and safety Kyle Hamilton remain on a defense that should compete admirably. When one of these stars speaks, teammates, coaches, and fans tend to listen. Especially when the words come from third-year All-Pro safety Hamilton.
The third-year 24-year-old safety hasn't begun entering his prime and he's already one of the game's best. He clearly has an eye for talent. He's been paying close attention during the offseason. From Baltimore Ravens official website, Ravens' players were asked who they believe will break out this season and Hamilton had the perfect response.
Fellow 2022 draft mate Kyle Hamilton believes Travis Jones is due for a breakout year
"There's not a lot of guys in the league at his position that affect the game as much as he does, I think. He's just been a problem this whole camp for the offense. He's virtually unblockable. He reminds me a lot of Chris Jones from K.C." - Kyle Hamilton
That's big praise from Hamilton. Hamilton has seen the work Jones has put in this offseason and it's clearly showing. This doesn't seem like your typical jargon coming from a teammate. Comparing Jones to other Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is not to be taken lightly.
The Ravens' first-round pick of the 2022 NFL draft has noticed the potential that once suggested Jones could be a sure-fire first-round talent.
When defensive lineman Travis Jones was coming out of UConn, there was a general feeling that he could be a first-round talent. Luckily for the Ravens, he slid quite a bit and they selected him in the third round with the 76th pick of the 2022 NFL draft.
Hamilton isn't the only one who's noticed the hard work Travis Jones has put in. Four other players noticed the difference from year two to year three. Almost all of the players mentioned the new mentality and how he's more cerebral when he plays. Even Defensive Line Coach Dennis Johnson knows how special Jones can be.
Needless to say, the Ravens could use a big leap from their third-year defensive lineman. Nnamdi Madubuike broke through last season and it's feeling more likely that Jones will join him this year. Travis Jones has been on record saying six sacks this season, bare minimum.
The Ravens will need Jones to step up against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs Week 1. The defense will need to get after him, hit him, and make him uncomfortable all night if they want to win. Based on what Hamilton and others have seen this offseason, expect Jones to do his best interpretation of "other Jones" and wreak havoc.