2020 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens steal Patrick Queen

An instant analysis for the Baltimore Ravens first-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, LSU linebacker Patrick Queen.

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the few teams who have kept a close lid on their 2020 NFL Draft plans.

Most analysts have had a general idea of what positions they could potentially during tonight’s draft, but for specific players, there hasn’t been any definite information. Going into the 2020 NFL Draft, the four positions considered to be priorities by General Manager Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Ravens are inside linebacker, pass rusher, interior offensive line, and wide receiver.

Ultimately the Baltimore Ravens opted to select the franchises first player out of LSU in linebacker Patrick Queen. Essentially one-year starter, Queen emerged as a top linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft after Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses opted to return to school. In 2019, Queen finished the year with 85 total tackles, 12 TFLs, and 3 quarterback sacks.

Queen displays great athleticism, showing great range and good change of direction skills. Queen is one of the faster linebackers in the 2020 NFL Draft, running 4.50 40 yard dash during the 2020 NFL Combine. While not quite the pure leader that Kenneth Murray is, Queen plays hard, showing good tackling skills and power.

Last season, the Baltimore Ravens got by with Josh Bynes, Patrick Onwuasor, and Josh Bynes in a steady rotational. While the void left by CJ Mosley wasn’t felt quite as hard as some had thought, they were still without a true number 1 linebacker in town. In free agency, they brought back Fort on short term deal. Additionally, they brought in Jake Ryan formally of the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Now the Baltimore Ravens have a significant presence there in the middle of their defense. They still have eight more draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, with two picks each in the second and third rounds where they can address their other needs.