Mike Preston: With a standout rookie class, the Ravens might be even better this season | COMMENTARY
Throughout training camp, the Ravens' front office and coaching staff quietly expressed confidence in their 2020 draft class. On Sunday, it was easy to see why.
Let’s preface this by saying that the Ravens were playing the worthless, no good Cleveland Browns in the season opener. But if the play by this group of rookies in a 38-6 season-opening win was any indication, the Ravens have a bright future. After winning a franchise-record 14 regular-season games last season, they might be even better this year.
It’s a gamble to put a rookie out on the field in any situation, but even more unpredictable when a team hasn’t played a preseason game. But in Sunday’s victory, the Ravens had six rookies play important roles, including two on defense, two on offense and two on special teams.
In the case of rookie linebackers Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison and return specialists Devin Duvernay and James Proche II, they filled in major gaps heading into the game and might fill them for the entire season.
