For a Few Ravens The Future is Now!

As the Ravens prepare to take on the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on Monday Night, much of the chatter about the team is focused upon the loss of Marlon Humphrey to a foot injury that will reportedly sideline him for a period of time that will leak into the team’s first few games. Yesterday, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta was busy, working out and signing the capable, but oft-injured Ronald Darby to man the back-end boundary of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s defense until Humphrey returns.

The team desperately needed depth at the position. Marlon’s injury forced DeCosta’s hand, who had to rummage through the available CB talent. It would surprise no one if DeCosta doesn’t stop there. He could add another veteran presence to the CB room, and he could also do the same at the defensive edge. Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy have both visited the Ravens and remain free agents.

Looking Ahead at DeCosta Dilemmas

“Super Bowl Contender” is a term often used to describe the 2023 Baltimore Ravens. But like any team in the NFL, there are some weaknesses. It’s incumbent upon each club to exploit opponents’ weaknesses more so than their own are exposed. Yet there’s no denying that the Ravens potentially, are knocking on the door of greatness. They just need a few more pieces and given that they are so close, I have to think that owner Steve Bisciotti and DeCosta are contemplating going all-in as part of an effort to bolster their vulnerabilities.

The Ravens could also benefit from a few players who need big seasons to set the stage for their next contract. Let’s discuss a few.

Odell Beckham, Jr.

OBJ, when healthy, is considered by most, to be among the game’s elite receivers. Throughout training camp, Beckham has shined. His speed is there; the change of direction is sudden; and he successfully creates separation in short, intermediate and deep routes. But there’s just one thing that isn’t guaranteed – his availability. And he’ll need to change that narrative if he hopes to land a lucrative extension.

Beckham has been nothing short of ideal since his arrival in Baltimore. He’s a leader; a devoted worker and a willing mentor. If health is on his side and he can dress for 15-17 games in 2023, he’ll have many suitors in 2024 if the Ravens let him get to free agency. The juice is real.

I can indeed confirm that Odell Beckham Jr. is indeed a Raven. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/wWFoipheyR

— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) August 16, 2023

J.K. Dobbins

You all know the story with Dobbins and his hold-in which ended earlier this week. We all get it. Dobbins got a raw deal. He blew out his knee during a fake game in DC back in 2021. He’s played in just 23 regular season games and in many of those, he wasn’t the bell cow that he aspires to be. All of this has eroded his market value. The bear market on running backs exacerbates the problem.
So, Dobbins will play with a chip on his shoulder. He is in great shape and is prepared to make a statement to help secure his financial future – one that like OBJ, is dependent upon his ability to stay on the field and out of the trainer’s room.

RB JK Dobbins continues to ramp up in individual drills, likely not involved in any full-team work yet pic.twitter.com/zh4KppAXkz

— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) August 16, 2023

Rashod Bateman

Chalk up Bateman as another player with loads of potential who can’t stay on the field. Out of a possible 34 regular season games, the former Minnesota Gopher has dressed just 18 times, hauling in 61 passes for 800 yards and three touchdowns. Those aren’t the numbers expected from the 2021 NFL Draft’s 27th overall pick.

Bateman needs to play. He needs to be reliable. He knows it. We all know it. Because if this season is like his first two, DeCosta will have a tough decision to make come early May of 2024 when fifth-year options for 2021 first round picks must be declared. There’s plenty at stake for Rashod.

Odafe Oweh

Ditto for Odafe! The Nittany Lion’s work ethic has never been questioned. His hustle never in doubt. His physical tools are outstanding. He just seems to be missing that football acumen to help bring it all together. The Ravens addition of Chuck Smith as Outside Linebackers Coach should help Oweh take his game to the next level.

So far during training camp, Oweh has been a standout. But we’ve seen and heard this before. The production and consistency on the practice field has to show up on Sundays. He’s close, but too often he disappears when it counts the most. But this summer, you do get the sense that he’s about to break through. And like Bateman, that fifth-year club option is out there for the taking. If things go well, that’s an easy decision for DeCosta. If not, 99’s future could trigger some heartburn at The Castle.

Odafe Oweh spin cycle😵‍💫 pic.twitter.com/9CuH73dQYv

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) August 16, 2023

Patrick Queen

Speaking of fifth-year options, DeCosta and the Ravens opted NOT to exercise that of ILB Patrick Queen. When Roquan Smith came onto the scene, it freed Queen to do what he does best – carry out a specific assignment and play fast. And he did exactly that. During camp, Queen has picked up where he left off in 2022 and if there’s anyone playing with a chip on his shoulder, it’s the fourth-year off-the-baller out of LSU.

Queen is dependable. He dresses every week, playing in every single regular season game 50 for 50) over the past three seasons. Patrick is playing for his next contract. The Ravens made overtures that they’d like to extend Queen – but that would have to be on their terms. It’s unlikely that the Ravens will spend big dollars at Queen’s position after making Roquan the NFL’s highest paid interior linebacker. But that said, the ambition to cash in either in Baltimore or elsewhere motivates Queen and that’s a bonus for the Ravens in 2023.

Justin Madubuike

“Yes, I think you should see a big jump. [Justin] really has so much potential. He’s strong, he’s quick-twitchy, can get out of a stance very explosively, and then he’s learning how to play with a good technique consistently. I think he’s going to have a big year for us. I think he’s a guy who we can really depend on. He’s going to make all of our jobs a lot easier [with] what he can do inside, and he’s developing as a pass rusher too, so I think he’s going to put a lot more pressure on quarterbacks. I think he’s going to be a really good player in this league.” ~ Calais Campbell during training camp, 2022

Players know players and Campbell’s words shouldn’t be taken lightly. Madubuike has all the tools to be a star in the league. What he’s lacked is consistency. He’s disappeared at times even when matchups suggested that he should dominate.

You would think that the Ravens tried to extend Justin the way they did earlier this month with his sidekick Broderick Washington. But Madubuike is a notch above Washington – at least potentially and Mads, probably feels the same. He just needs to prove it and to go out there for 17 weeks and do it consistently. If he does, the brass ring will dangle within his reach. And if he snatches it, that too bodes well for the Ravens.

There’s much at stake for these players and of course the Ravens.

And these subplots could very well make the difference between a deep playoff run or an early 2024 offseason.

The future is now!