After a respectable showing in the 2020 regular season, the Baltimore Ravens still fell short in their bid for a strong playoff push as they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. With another year of experience under their belt as a unit, head coach John Harbaugh and his men will definitely aim to have a more productive campaign in the 2021 NFL season.
Ravens Predictions: 3 Breakout Players in 2021
However, star quarterback Lamar Jackson can't do it all alone as he will need some of his teammates to step up to the plate and deliver more on the field next season. Armed a veteran-laden squad mixed with a handful of promising young talents, the Ravens certainly have a few players who are capable of reaching greater heights next season.
Here are the three potential breakout players for Baltimore in 2021:
1. J.K. Dobbins
Then-rookie running back J.K. Dobbins spent the early stages of his first professional campaign learning under the tutelage of a former Pro Bowl rusher in Mark Ingram II. The Ohio State product successfully came out with impressive performances in his first few games and eventually saw more opportunities on the field as the 2020 season progressed.
Dobbins concluded his rookie campaign with a total of 805 rushing yards on 134 attempts to go with nine touchdowns through 15 games played last season. With Ingram already relocating to the Houston Texans, the 22-year-old rusher will now be the top running back on the team heading to the 2021 season.
Poised to land a greater role in the team, Ravens fans can expect J.K. Dobbins to have an even more productive season and help keep the team's ground game as its main offensive weapon next season.
2. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown has already established his role within the Ravens' pass-catching corps ever since he entered the league and joined the team back in 2019. After a respectable rookie campaign, he managed to land an increased role in 2020 which allowed him to tally better numbers and contribute more in his sophomore year last season.
Brown concluded his 2020 campaign with a total of 769 receiving yards on 58 receptions to go with eight touchdowns through 16 appearances. Heading to his third season with the team, the Oklahoma product is expected to shoulder more load and emerge as a vital contributor for the Ravens offense in 2021.
Though the team is known for prioritizing its ground game, quarterback Lamar Jackson can still find ways to utilize the aerial attack, especially with a potent threat like Hollywood Brown regularly lurking on the wings.
3. Patrick Queen
In just his rookie season, linebacker Patrick Queen immediately lived up to the expectations of being a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The LSU talent played a pivotal role in the team's defensive rotation right from the get-go and helped in limiting opposing offensive players on the field.
He finished the 2020 season with a total of 106 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, and an interception in 16 games played. Queen also produced two forced fumbles and a couple of pass deflections which allowed him to establish his presence and earn himself a slot in the All-Rookie Team in 2020.
After gaining a full season's worth of experience, the best is yet to come for Patrick Queen on the field. His production will definitely be counted upon by Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale, especially as Baltimore continues to aspire for a better campaign next season.
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