New basic linebacker key to defensive success
Elliott isn’t the only young defenseman who gets the Ravens excited. The additions of linebackers Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison were already felt throughout the start of training camp.
Both rookies will look to provide stability at a position that was reshuffled mid-last season, and the Baltimore Sun’s Daniel Oyefusi believes that could make the difference for defense.
“After investing two of their first draft picks on inside linebackers, and bringing [L.J] Strong for their first full season in the scheme, the Ravens are boasting of a positional squad that could ease the ailments of the January playoff loss to the Titans, “Oyefusi wrote. The investment of draft capital in Queen and Harrison’s first and third round picks, respectively, showed the desire for a team looking to address a key issue that has derailed a promising season. Queen projects himself as a smaller, new age linebacker who has the speed to cover the touchline to the touchline, while Harrison is a taller player who also runs well.
“… The Queen, Harrison and Fort trio gives the Ravens reason to believe there will be a noticeable improvement over last season, when early struggles with runs and pass coverage played a role in poor defensive performance. “
This time last year the linebacker squad was very different. Fast forward a year later and two rookies could start Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.
There is a certain excitement about Queen and Harrison, whose skills complement each other. Even with two less experienced players, the experts still have confidence in their talent.
Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr and Ringer’s Kevin Clark mentioned Queen among the contenders who could win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
“I would also say that Queen has a great chance, just because he’s going to be a reliable, solid guy on a very good team that wins a lot of games,” said Clark. “It won’t take much to be a key part of this defense and get a lot of love from national shows.”
