Big Changes Could Be Happening To The Baltimore Ravens Linebacking Group Next Season.
In part 1, I covered a couple of buy-lows at the defensive end and tackle position. In part 2, I will be discussing a couple of buy low linebackers for the Baltimore Ravens. I’ll be providing you my reasons as to why i’d be looking to acquire these young linebackers and what it might take to get each of them.
Kenny Young, Inside Linebacker:
While it has been reported that the Baltimore Ravens are going to do everything in their power to re-sign C.J. Mosley, there is still one player we aren't sure of, for next season, that's Terrell Suggs. One player we do know will be starting for the Ravens at linebacker, will be second year pro Kenny Young. He was drafted in the 4th round of this past years draft and was a 16 game starter. He had a very productive season compiling 41 solo tackles and two and a half sacks and, in IDP leagues, he finished as the ninth highest scoring linebacker among this past seasons rookie linebackers.
In 2019, i'm looking for Young to become more consistent week to week, translating to him having an even bigger impact on the Ravens defense. He is someone who has side line to side line range and has the athleticism to have continued success as an NFL starting linebacker.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Coming off his very productive year, as a rookie, I am excited to see what kind of production he has this upcoming season. He is someone that i'd want to acquire as either depth or someone who could potentially be a weekly starter in IDP leagues. Young was someone I was able to grab off of the wire last year and so if you offered his owner a second or third round pick that might be enough to get the deal done.
Matt Judon, Outside Linebacker:
Judon showed nice production in 2017 as a 16 game starter, tallying 50 solo tackles and eight sacks, but in 2018, his production regressed to the tune of 29 solo tackles and seven sacks across 14 games started. With all of the potential change among the linebacking group, I think Judon has a solid chance to get back to his 2017 production, with the opportunity to set new career highs in the previously mentioned categories. It also doesn't hurt that he got learn and play with future hall of famer, Terrell Suggs.
Fantasy Recommendation:
I see him getting preseason buzz this upcoming preseason much like he did in 2018. I think he has the defensive knowledge on what is needed for him to be successful in Baltimore's defense. Due to him finishing the year out as a non factor, some IDP owners may have dropped him, so he might be addable off the wire. If he's owned, then you could play up his down year and see if you can get him for a late round pick.
Conclusion
The Ravens defense finished number one in the league for yards allowed per game, with just under 293. Even if C.J. Mosley is re-signed, this defensive unit will need someone to step up if they want to keep that number one ranking, for 2019. I think either of these guys has the potential to be more of a contributor next season. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for part three of this three-part series, on the Baltimore Ravens.
