There will be no mentions of a certain quarterback in this piece. This is my vow to you.
But what we will talk about is trying to pinpoint what current players on the Ravens’ roster have a chance to up their profile next season, and emerge as serious playmakers. Last year’s risers included Patrick Queen, Ben Powers and Justin Madubuike — each of whom significantly upped their games from what they had shown before. Obviously, you never know how these things will go, as Madubuike had teased with potential before, Queen was wavering on that dreaded “bust” line and Powers was thought of by many as just a wasted pick.
Three unique stories. Three clear risers.
So, with the understanding that this is a bit of an exercise in guessing, as opposed to any kind of fool-proof scientific formula, here’s my early look at a few Ravens who could take that next step in their careers in 2023.
Broderick Washington
A case could be made that Washington was a clear riser last season, but I think he’s going to do even more in 2023. He played in 17 games in 2022, and finished with an impressive 49 tackles and a sack, to go along with six passes defensed. For a rotational piece, that’s not bad stuff at all.
During his three seasons in Baltimore, his snap percentage has climbed from 30 his rookie season to 32 his second to an impressive 44 percent in 2022. Even with the anticipated return of Michael Pierce and the growth of second-year lineman Travis Jones, Washington has probably earned even more snaps going forward.
With pretty clear progress every season if his career thus far, one can see a situation where Washington outplays, and out-snaps, some other linemen who come with bigger names and salaries attached.
Brandon Stephens
Unlike Washington, Stephens showed a little less last season, as injuries and a surplus of additions at safety reduced him from 17 games and 11 starts as a rookie, to 15 games and four starts last season. He noticeably got better as the season went on, rising from some below-average performances at the start of the year to playing very solidly at the end.
What might have gone unnoticed by many is that his coverage improved quite a bit from his rookie campaign. In 2021, he allowed a 75.6-percent completion percentage in coverage, and a passer rating of 128.8, per Pro Football Reference. In 2022, those numbers went to a 62.7 completion percentage and a rating allowed of 88.9. It’s also interesting that he was only credited with one blitz rep last season, and he garnered half a sack.
With Chuck Clark being traded, and Kyle Hamilton showing great form covering the slot, I see Stephens having an opportunity to play that third safety role in sub packages and getting more opportunities. If his coverage skills continue to improve — a real possibility since he is still young in his defensive-back career after starting college as a running back — Stephens could really shine in Year 3.
Ben Cleveland
This one requires a little bit more of a leap of faith than the previous two. Cleveland hasn’t had a ton of live reps yet to evaluate, and he actually got on the field more in his rookie season than Year 2, seeing his snaps fall from 367 to 92.
But there was some stuff to like about Cleveland when he got on the field.
The massive guard saw his PFF score rise from 55.8 overall in 2021 to 67.6 last season. His pass blocking kind of exploded, actually, rising to 72.3 last season after a 54.8 grade his rookie campaign. Run-blocking remains a struggle for the big guy, but he did improve from 56.6 to 62.8.
Last year started rough for Cleveland in a year many thought he had the upper hand going into the summer for that left guard spot that Powers eventually won. He had a tough time passing the Ravens’ grueling conditioning test, and there was talk around the Castle that he had fallen a bit out of favor with the coaching staff as a result. But he did eventually get out there again, and he looked good in his start against the Bengals in the regular season finale.
If Powers leaves, as is expected, and Cleveland can come into shape this summer, he has a chance to be a riser in 2023.
Isaiah Likely
Likely had an impressive rookie campaign last season, posting 36 catches for 373 yards and three touchdowns, despite playing the same position as one Mark Andrews and playing a position that is often a tough transition for rookies.
From the start of camp until the end of the year, Likely showed enough to tantalize and tease, and it will be interesting to see how he is utilized with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. From the eye test, Likely can do a lot. He moves well, before and after the catch. He’s shown the ability to make contested catches. And he presents a big target at 6-4, 240. Now, he did have a 10-percent drop percentage, which is entirely too high, but that can be improved with more comfort in what he’s doing and an increased emphasis on concentration — he certainly has shown the hands to do better than that.
3 Responses
Good calls, all-around. I’d add Oweh, but that’s probably chalk from most people’s vantage point as an obvious breakout candidate.
Cleveland is the Harbs banged the table for in the 2nd round, and EDC managed to hold him off until the 3rd. He can be a mauler, but is even less athletic than Boze and Powers which hurts him getting to the second level and will pulls. IF he can work on his agility and conditioning and play closer to 320lbs than 370, he has a shot. Don’t be surprised if he loses out to Simpson or even Colon, who has really been an impressive developmental story I never expected.
What about Tyler Linderbaum? He’s got 1 season under his belt and I believe he’s still a riser.
Cleveland needs some competition for the LG spot. I hope he does come in and do well but to get the best out of Cleveland you’re going to have to challenge him.
Where is Ojabo? I think a healthy Ojabo with a full off season and some coaching by Smith could be a surprise this season. I could see a very good season from Ojabo if he gets the snaps.
I don’t want to see this happen but if Faalele has to step in due to an injury I think he will show that he is capable of being a starter in the NFL. We will see but I think he has potential in his 2nd year.
With a healthy Bateman and a changed offensive scheme we could see a breakout season from him this season.
As far as Linderbaum I have to think he has shown why he will be an established starter for years to come. I think Oweh has been a flop and I don’t expect much from him. I hope he proves us wrong and has a break out season.
I have to agree with your selections especially with Stephens and Cleveland. I think Stephens should be a good rotational S and this will be a golden opportunity for Cleveland. I already think Washington has solidified his position and Likely will only get better. BTW might like to see how a healthy Kolar does this season.
Overall there is just so much potential and you have to think that some of these young players are on the verge of stepping up and taking that next step.