Happy Friday, Flock Nation, and a warm welcome back (again) to Tony Jefferson, who re-signed with the Ravens for the 2022 season on Thursday night to continue his second stint in Baltimore.
✊🏾✊🏾 let’s work https://t.co/WHrIpP5wgr
— Tony Jefferson II (@_tonyjefferson) February 25, 2022
After making his NFL comeback with the 49ers this season, Jefferson returned to Baltimore amid the injury crisis in the Ravens secondary, playing well enough in his four appearances to make his return to Baltimore a no-brainer. He was especially good against the Bengals, with a team-high 10 tackles, and the Rams, stopping a creative Sean McVay two-point conversion attempt.
Back for a second stint in Baltimore, Tony Jefferson hasn’t disappointed. #Ravens pic.twitter.com/DY8qYJGjd4
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbywbal) January 2, 2022
It’s great to have a veteran like Jefferson back in Baltimore, for his ability to contribute in multiple roles on defense and special teams as well as his locker room leadership.
But unfortunately, it might be time to throw cold water on the hopes of another reunion in Baltimore. Fans have been clamoring for 2018 first-round pick Hayden Hurst – the tight end who was drafted before Lamar Jackson – to come back to Baltimore to fill the same pass-catching TE role he played in 2019.
Relevant to those lobbying for a Hayden Hurst reunion in Baltimore: https://t.co/VSmd1PRwoA
— Jake Louque (@jakelouque) February 25, 2022
If that’s the market for backup tight ends, then Hurst will likely be priced out of Baltimore, as he’s been more productive than Thomas in his career. Expect the Ravens to either use a draft pick or stick with Josh Oliver next season.
Speaking of the draft, the Ravens continue to be linked with defensive prospects from the University of Michigan, which makes sense considering they played under now-Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
Awesome breakdown from Jordan. This is THE concern for the #Ravens, right? However, this reminds me of how they've treated other OLBs with those concerns. Playing stand up enables him to focus on the angle, stay true to his gap to his outside help. Get the back to cut to traffic. https://t.co/oteqDRq1Os
— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) February 25, 2022
Ojabo was one of the first names mentioned, especially given Tyus Bowser’s Achilles injury, but he’ll need to solidify his ability to take on NFL-caliber tackles in the run game.
If the #Ravens don’t spend at safety he’s certainly someone to keep an eye on.
Obviously not many people know him as well as Mike MacDonald and he’s a great prospect.
Intriguing cat that fits what they need IMO. #RavensFlock https://t.co/CBzVDLv5Yp
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) February 25, 2022
Hill is shooting up draft boards right now due to his elite athleticism and versatility. While I’m a huge fan of Brandon Stephens, adding Hill to Baltimore’s defensive backfield would give them another chess piece against the AFC’s elite offenses. Having multiple players who can drop back in single- or two-high coverage, come up and play the run or line up in man coverage will be necessary to taking on the Bengals in future years.
Speaking of Hill, I somehow nabbed him with the 45th pick in my morning mock draft today after grabbing Sauce Gardner at 14. Talk about upgrading the secondary!
I then added Kentucky’s Darian Kinnard, who I think could play right tackle in the NFL, though some scouts have him projected to move inside to guard. He’d be a people-mover in Baltimore’s rushing scheme, for pretty solid value in the third round.
Finally, I picked Georgia running back James Cook, who could be the pass-catching running back the Ravens have been looking for. While J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have shown they’re capable of catching passes out of the backfield, Cook is the kind of back who can play a more active role in the passing game rather than being a checkdown option.
