Could Ravens backup DL become next Justin Madubuike after praise from coach?

The Baltimore Ravens not only saw former third-round pick Justin Madubuike have a breakout season in 2024, but they witnessed him having such a tremendous season that it warranted a four-year contract worth $98 million. Could Travis Jones follow in his footsteps?

Jones had tremendous raw power and athleticism coming out of UConn, but even his biggest supporters said he needed some time to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL level. After two years as a backup, could he have found a comfort zone in 2024?

Jones figures to be in the defensive line rotation behind Madubuike and veteran run-stuffer Michael Pierce. According to Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson, who was hired to replace Anthony Weaver in the offseason, Jones has everything he needs to be a massive success in 2024 despite the addition of two veterans to compete with him.

“From what I’ve seen, from Trav, he is a special human first, a special man, and then a special football player,” Johnson said. “[He’s] talented, and he wants it just as bad as anybody you’d be around. You want to talk about attention to detail, that’s how he approaches every day...he’ll be in that type of position to have a successful season.”

Could Baltimore Ravens DT Travis Jones break out in 2024?

Jones has started just three of his 32 games in the pros in two years, playing 35% and 39% of snaps in his first two seasons. With 60 tackles and 2.5 sacks combined in those two seasons, Jones' primary role has been that of an immovable block on the interior.

Jones finished his last two seasons with UConn by piling up eight sacks, so the potential for getting to the quarterback is there. Quickness has always been Jones' Achilles heel, as his initial burst off the line and lack of a diverse pass rush skillset have limited his effectiveness.

Msdubuike was never a high-end pass rusher before his 2023 season, and he came out of nowhere to end the year by setting records for most consecutive games with a sack. Could Jones follow in his footseps with a strong year under Johnson's watch?

Baltimore chose to run it back with almost the exact same interior defensive line this season, which could be taken as a sign of confidence in what Jones can bring to the table. Now it's on him to prove Baltimore right for trusting in him.