The Baltimore Ravens will use a three pronged approach to retooling their roster over the coming offseason. In addition to bolstering the depth chart through free agency and the 2018 NFL draft, development of young players on the roster will be an crucial part of their possible resurgence. Former second and third round draft picks are the obvious area to focus on, as these players possess untapped potential.
Which former Day 2 selection is most likely to breakout in 2018?
- TE Maxx Williams
Williams had a solid rookie season, with seven starts and 268 receiving yards. Then a knee injury ruined his season in 2016. He did not make much of an impact in the most recent season, his eight starts produced less than 100 total receiving yards. Time is running out for Maxx, but the Ravens depth chart at tight end should give him further opportunities.
- DT Carl Davis
Davis started his career on the right foot, making several starts and effectively stuffing the run early in 2015. He wore down as the season went on and then missed the entire 2016 campaign due to a preseason ankle injury. Carl saw the field on 27.6-percent of the defensive snaps in 2017, posting a dozen solo tackles, a pass deflection and half a sack. After undergoing shoulder surgery a few days ago, he is aiming to earn more reps on a defensive line that will return the every key contributor.
- LB Kamalei Correa
Indecision on which linebacker position he should be groomed for played a part in Correa’s relegation to the role of special teamer as a rookie. Kamalei played on less than 15-percent of the defensive snaps last season, mostly as an inside ‘backer on the short yardage package. He has the physical tools to grow into a defensive starter, but a lack of instincts may cap his ceiling.
- DE Bronson Kaufusi
Kaufusi was considered a ‘tweener coming out of BYU and missed his entire rookie season because of a broken ankle. Despite an injury to starting defensive end Brent Urban last year, Kaufusi was active for just three games, managing only 33 snaps on defense. Bronson must become stronger and more physical this offseason in order to salvage his career.
- LB Tyus Bowser
Bowser was selected as the NFL Rookie of the Week for his one sack, one interception performance against the Browns in Week 2. However, his playing time decreased as the season went on. Overall, he was active for all 16 games, playing on nearly 15-percent of the defensive snaps, and providing three sacks. Despite several rookie mistakes, Tyus showed the all around ability to be a three down linebacker. With a full offseason to refine his craft, Bowser should be a important piece of the edge rusher rotation going forward.
- DL Chris Wormley
Another defensive lineman who struggled to earn snaps. Wormley posted five tackles as a rookie while playing in seven games. He showed some special teams ability, but was deactivated for five of the final seven games in 2017. He will need to show more potential as an interior pass rusher to garner more snaps next season.
- LB Tim Williams
A promising pass rusher, Williams spent most of his rookie year watching from the sidelines due to his ineffectiveness holding the edge against the run. A lingering thigh injury caused some to question his toughness. With the pass rush fading in December, the Ravens still elected to deactivate Williams for the final three games of the season. A sophomore jump from Timmy could propel the Ravens defense from good to great.
Poll
Which former Day 2 pick is most likely to breakout in 2018?
This poll is closed
-
9%
Maxx Williams
-
6%
Carl Davis
-
1%
Kamalei Correa
-
1%
Bronson Kaufusi
-
67%
Tyus Bowser
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1%
Chris Wormley
-
12%
Tim Williams