With each snap taken in the NFL, youngsters gain valuable game experience. Gone are the days of being drafted and having the luxury of learning under a seasoned vet before being thrown into
the fire. Now, players are expected to contribute from the moment their names are called on draft days, particularly those taken in the early rounds.
As we look ahead to the 2015 season, the Ravens’ second-year players are a unique bunch. Of the nine players selected in 2014, just two players, defensive end Brent Urban (4th round) and quarterback Keith Wenning (6th round; released and signed by Cincinnati) didn’t see the field last season.
The remaining seven – linebacker C.J. Mosley (1st round), defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (2nd round), safety Terrence Brooks (3rd round), tight end Crockett Gillmore (3rd round), running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (4th round), guard/center John Urschel (5th round) and wide receiver Michael Campanaro – all saw extensive action as the season progressed and most fared well.
With training camp around the corner, expectations are high for this bunch.
C.J. Mosley
Mosley started all 16 games in his rookie season and led the Ravens with 129 tackles (85 solo). The former Alabama standout added eight passes defensed (tied for second on the team), three sacks (-16 yards), two INTs one FF and one FR. Mosley Was the only player in the NFL in 2014 with at least 125 tackles, three sacks and two INTs.
The 2014 Pro Bowler endured offseason wrist surgery that kept him from taking part in full team drills during minicamp. The 23-year-old linebacker is expected to be at full speed when the team reports to training camp next week.
A healthy Mosley is exactly what the Ravens need in a corps of players that are aging. While it’s too early to assume that Mosley will repeat his 2014 performance, the Theodore, Alabama native will again be a force to be reckoned with for opposing offenses.
Timmy Jernigan
The Ravens will get their first taste of life after veteran Haloti Ngata, who was traded to the Lions this offseason. That move showed that the front office and coaching staff have confidence in Jernigan, the second-year player out of Florida State.
In a limited role last season, Jernigan (6-2, 300 lb.) saw action in 12 games (he missed four games due to a knee injury), including three starts when while Ngata served a suspension, contributing 23 tackles (11 solo) and four sacks (-27 yards).
A vigorous offseason training program with 49ers defensive tackle Darnell Dockett looks as if it paid dividends as Jernigan attended offseason activities in great shape. Ngata’s are big shoes to fill but Jernigan appears ready for the challege.
“I like to slash in there and use everything I’ve got to beat them to the punch,” Jernigan told the Baltimore Sun in May. “I’m not that big, stay-at-home defensive lineman. Haloti and I are different players, but that’s OK. You have to be yourself.”
Terrence Brooks
After being drafted in the third round, Brooks got off to a slow start in his rookie year in the Ravens’ piecemeal secondary.
Appearing in 11 games, Brooks recorded 16 total tackles and just two passes defensed before tearing his ACL and MCL in December against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brooks is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation, seeing reps with the first team defense throughout OTA’s and progressing well. In what could be an interesting battle during training camp, Brooks will need a strong outing this camp with Will Hill, Kendrick Lewis and Matt Elam ahead of him on the depth chart.
Crockett Gillmore
Gillmore enters training camp as the potential starter for an offense that is expected to remain very tight end friendly. Reports surfaced on Tuesday that the organization will likely place Dennis Pitta on the physically unable to perform (P.U.P) to start camp, further solidifying Gillmore’s position.
The Texas native, while raw, was baptized by fire during his rookie season after injuries to both Pitta and Owen Daniels. The big-bodied Gillmore saw action in 15 games (one start) and had 10 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown in regular season play.
Gillmore had a solid performance throughout offseason activities. Of particular note is his newfound speed. On several occasions after catching the ball over the middle of the field, the 6-6 tight end outran defenders to the end zone. Clearly Gillmore will get reps with the first team offense throughout camp with rookies Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle seeing their fair share as well.
It’s Gillmore’s job to lose.
Brent Urban
Bitten by the injury bug (torn ACL) on the same day as fellow defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore last year during training camp, the 6-foot-7, 295-pound Urban is reportedly back to 100 percent health.
Urban figures to be an important cog on the Ravens defensive front and will likely be used in rotation throughout the season, assuming he stays injury-free. The former fourth-round pick was impressive during mandatory minicamp and drew the ire of head coach John Harbaugh after getting too close to quarterback Joe Flacco during 11-on-11 drills.
“We do like to keep our guys away from the quarterback, said Harbaugh following the incident. He got a little too close, and then he was like celebrating it. That’s what sent me over the edge. It’s like, ‘Do you not understand what we’re doing here?’ But he has practiced really well.”
Urban is a must watch over the summer.
Lorenzo Taliaferro
Taliaferro, the Coastal Carolina prodigy, had a solid rookie season with 68 carries for 292 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games before seeing his season cut short with what was described as a foot injury.
Battling for the number two running back spot behind starter Justin Forsett, a fully healthy Taliaferro showed up to offseason activities in tremendous shape.
The second-year running back must show the coaching staff he can do more out of the backfield this training camp, as well as better protecting the football. Rookie Buck Allen figures to be Taliaferro’s biggest competition as the USC standout excels in both areas. The Ravens, though, could use his size to their advantage on goal line carries as both Forsett and Allen are smaller.
John Urschel
Urschel, the math genius in pads, has drawn more attention for his off field stature that his on field presence, but the second-year interior lineman has the makings of a special player, which may include a future at the center position.
Urschel saw action in 11 games (three starts) as a rookie in 2014 including starting both postseason contests at right guard (Marshal Yanda started at RT due to Rick Wagner being placed on Injured Reserve with a foot injury). During OTAs, the former Nittany Lion took snaps at center while starter Jeremy Zuttah was recovering from injury.
While it’s not likely Urschel will unseat any starter on the offensive line this season, he does provide quality depth given his experience during his rookie season.
Michael Campanaro
The local product Campanaro will have his hands full during training camp. The Fulton, Maryland native will be battling for a roster spot in a position that is crowded behind Steve Smith Sr.
During his rookie season, he showed flashes of talent with crisp routes and surprising burst. Playing in just four games as a rookie in 2014, Campanaro posted seven receptions for 102 yards and one TD, but was unable to stay healthy.
While incurring a torn quadriceps muscle during the first day of OTAs, Campanaro is expected to be ready to go by training camp. If Camp can overcome the injury bug it’s likely he will take over kick/punt return duties for the departed Jacoby Jones. His biggest challenger will likely be undrafted wide receiver Deandre Carter, who is similar in size and stature.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
