5 best comparisons to Travis Jones rookie season with Baltimore Ravens

When the Baltimore Ravens drafted Travis Jones in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft the thought was that he would be eased in as a rookie, but we would get to see a lot more about what he brings to the table during his second and third NFL seasons.

5 best comparisons to Travis Jones rookie season with Baltimore Ravens

So, after Jones only posted one sack on about 300 snaps, some fans may be disappointed, but the reality may be that he is right on track. When you look at the history of the NFL who are some players that had similar statistical outcomes to Travis Jones after being drafted in a similar range as well.

5. Akiem Hicks

Travis Jones was drafted 76th overall, while Akiem Hicks went 89th in the 2012 NFL Draft. They both had similar numbers in their rookie season, and Hicks played 372 snaps while Jones played 324.

For Akiemc Hicks, it is worth noting that he took until about his fourth NFL season to really hit his stride. However, when he did, he had a five-year run of being one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL. He even was playing last year at age 33.

While Hicks may be a lesson to preach patience, and the value of his potential longevity, Hicks did go from 38% of the defensive snaps as a rookie to 66% in his second season. It was clear that a step was taken in year two, and we need to see at least that from Jones to think an elite-level breakout is on the table.

4. Derrick Nnadi

Derrick Nnadi was drafted 75th overall in 2018, so almost the exact same draft slot as Travis Jones. He played 124 snaps more than Travis Jones, so he was more productive overall, but Jones had a better pass rush.

Even if this turns into a floor comparison, this is not a bad outcome. Derrick Nnadi has not turned into Akiem Hicks by year four or five, but he is now in his sixth NFL season, and he has 10 starts every year, and 69 starts overall.

Nnadi only hit three sacks as his upside, but he is a nose tackle for a Super Bowl team, and he will be starting again in year six. If that is the outcome the Baltimore Ravens get from Travis Jones then they will take it. It is interesting to note that Nnadi went from 38% of the snaps as a rookie to 59% in year two. Needless to say, this is a similarity to Hicks that may be a trend.

3. Davon Hamilton

Davon Hamilton was a third-round pick who went 73rd overall. He played 54% of the Jaguars' defensive snaps as a rookie, but only played 83 more snaps than Travis Jones. They did have similar production there.

Davon Hamilton did not see the huge jump in snaps like the others, but he did go from 407 snaps to 442 in his second season. Hamilton also saw his total tackles jump, as he became more active on defense. He has not had a big sack production season, but he is only entering his fourth season. Still, he just signed an extension with the Jaguars, so he will be a starting nose tackle in the future.

2. Nathan Shepherd

Nathan Shepherd went 72nd overall in the 2018 draft. He played just 21 more snaps than Travis Jones as a rookie, and they did have similar enough production that this could be a comparison.

Shepherd has never emegred after his rookie season to be much in more of a role than he had out of the gates. He put up 2.5 sacks in 2020, and will be entering his sixth NFL season. After five seasons as a depth tackle for the Jets, the New Orleans Saints are hoping he can replace some the interior names that lost. Shepherd is being looked at as a potential starter, but a lower end starter, and likely depth player is a potential out come for Travis Jones. One note is that he is the player who did not have a bigger role after his rookie seaosn.

1. Larry Ogunjobi

Larry Ogunjoi has played for every other team in the division, so fans know him rather well. His ascension has been impressive, and beyond Akiem Hicks is probably the best-case outcome for someone like Travis Jones. Unlike Hicks, Travis Jones actually had more snaps played than Ogunjobi. Still, Ogunjobi had similar, if not slightly better production.

Ogunjobi was one of the players who saw the second-year jump He went from 301 snaps, and 32%, to 930 snaps and 79%. Needless to say, that is the biggest jump. He also immediately shot up in sacks from one to 5.5. He is now entering his seventh season, and while he has not been as consistent as Hicks during his best run, he does have a chance to be more productive when all is said and done if he can keep the longevity going.

These would obviously be things to aspire towards. It is worth noting that the best outcomes all saw leaps in snaps, and the two biggest jumps in snaps played were Hicks and Ogunjobi. A breakout does not have to come next year, but trust from the coaches does.