Those Who Could Surprise in 2015
It happens every year.
On nearly every team, an unforeseen player surprises everyone and develops into a Pro Bowler. However, for the Ravens, a player ascending from the bench to stardom has become expected. Year-in-year-out, valued free agents are priced out of Ozzie’s budget, allowing for regular Joe’s to step into big roles and become January Joe’s.
Last year, it was Justin Forsett, Ricky Wagner, C.J. Mosley, Timmy Jernigan, and Pernell McPhee. So, who will it be this year? Only time will tell…but fortunately for us, the recent OTA’s have given us a glimpse as to who these players may be.
5) Brandon Williams: With Haloti Ngata jettisoned to Detroit, there’s a big (very big) hole to fill on the defensive line. Cue Brandon Williams. By midway through last season, Williams had become one of the highest-graded nose tackles in the league. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah dubbed Brandon Williams as, “one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the NFL.” This year, expect the big man to continue tossing around centers like porta-potties.
With rising star Timmy Jernigan and rookie behemoth, Carl Davis by Williams’ side, expect the Ravens defensive front to wreak havoc on opposing linemen.
Expectation in 2015: 40 Total Tackles, 2 FF, 3.5 sacks. Run-stuffing machine.
4) Crockett Gillmore: Apparently, Gillmore and Joe Flacco are building some chemistry. During OTA’s, the second-year tight end has been very active in the red zone, displaying strong hands, stout blocking, and route-running prowess. With Dennis Pitta still recovering from his second hip injury and rookies Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle getting accustomed to playing with the big boys, expect Crockett Gillmore to develop into a go-to option for Flacco in the red zone.
Gilmore has already described his comfort level as “night and day” compared to this time last year. Not to mention, he’s put on a ridiculous 25 pounds of muscle. Those two, combined with an offense predicated on productive tight-end play, spells recipe for a break-out year.
Expectation in 2015: Starter. 48 catches, 540 yards, 7 TDs. Gilmore will make his presence felt in the red zone.
3) Courtney Upshaw: Courtney Upshaw is playing for a new contract. And if contract years are an indication of anything, it is certainly increased production. In his first three seasons, Upshaw has excelled in coverage and has played the run better than practically anyone at the position. However, he has lacked the stats as a pass-rusher, registering only 3 sacks (should be 4) in his brief career.
With McPhee departing and father-time approaching the fearsome due of Doom and Suggs, expect Upshaw to have a big year in 2015.
Expectation in 2015: 16 games played, 50 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF. Progresses into a legitimate pass-rusher.
2) Will Hill: The Ravens have fortified their biggest weakness of last year with the additions of Kyle Arrington and Kendrick Lewis. Therefore, Hill will not be exposed in coverage as frequently as he was last year. Still, Hill managed to be the 14th best safety in the NFL, even when missing the first 6 games of the game.
With a full offseason under his belt, HC John Harbaugh has praised the safety’s progress, touting he is “light years ahead of last year.” And let’s not forget, Hill is playing for a new contract after receiving a low-tender this year.
There is no question that Hill has the talent to be special. But when you think about the top safeties in the league, his name is rarely mentioned. This year, I believe that changes.
Expectation in 2015: 60 total tackles, 4 INT, 3 Sacks, 2 FF, 8 Passes defensed, 2 TD. Pro-Bowl invite (But hopefully, he won’t be playing)
1) Kamar Aiken: Aiken has been running with the first team in OTAs and has been playing remarkably. In practice, Aiken has reportedly been catching everything Joe throws his way.
At 6’2, 215 pounds with good route running ability and solid hands, Aiken has the build of a #1 receiver. Fortunately for the Ravens, they don’t need him to be one. With Perriman’s blazing speed, a trio of versatile tight-ends, and Steve Smith Sr. drawing the attention of top corners, expect the journeyman wide-out to catch a lot of passes in 2015.
Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones are both donning new uniforms — the door is wide-open for Aiken to make his mark.
Expectation in 2015: 62 receptions, 715 yards, 8 TDs
Honorable mentions: S Kendrick Lewis, S Matt Elam, RB Lorenzo Taliaferro, OG John Urschel
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