The Baltimore Ravens used the No. 28 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to take to take LSU linebacker Patrick Queen. It is safe to say that quarterback Lamar Jackson approves.
Jackson was live-streaming the Ravens pick and made a rather bold declaration for his new teammate, via ESPN's Jamison Hensley:
Lamar Jackson when hearing the Ravensâ selection of middle linebacker Patrick Queen at No. 28:
âRay Lewis Jr.!â
â Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) April 24, 2020
This is certainly a high honor for Queen to not only get the nod from Jackson, but even a comparison to one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. Expectations will now be higher than ever for the rookie heading into training camp.
Of course, it is difficult to knock the comparison to Lewis. Despite his efforts, Queen was considered to be undersized for the middle linebacker position and it seems his stock took a hit after falling to the bottom of the first. Although he has since done what he can to point out his superior mobility as opposed to physical aggression, he is still embracing the high expectations.
Queen is coming off a stellar junior year at LSU that saw him register 69 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two breakups, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He also earned Defensive MVP honors for the 2020 National Championship Game by finishing with eight tackles and a sack in the victory over Clemson.
It is no secret that the Ravens have experienced some turnover to their linebacker corps in recent years. Queen will now have a chance to make an immediate impact for a defense that emerged as one of the most formidable groups in the league last season.