{"id":145916,"date":"2023-09-09T13:00:49","date_gmt":"2023-09-09T17:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=145916"},"modified":"2023-09-09T10:16:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T14:16:08","slug":"5-baltimore-ravens-primed-to-exceed-expectations-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/09\/09\/5-baltimore-ravens-primed-to-exceed-expectations-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Baltimore Ravens Primed to Exceed Expectations in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Baltimore Ravens may have some elite talent, but they also have plenty of hidden gems that are primed to exceed expectations in 2023. While <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/09\/04\/5-baltimore-ravens-breakout-candidates-in-2023-rashod-bateman-odafe-oweh\/\" target=\"_self\">breakout candidates<\/a> are players that are set to make a name for themselves, the following list contains players who few people are expecting to make waves this season.<\/p>\n<p>[cta id=4013 type=cta]<\/p>\n<h2>5 Baltimore Ravens Set to Exceed Expectations in 2023<\/h2>\n<h3>Keaton Mitchell<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/08\/02\/baltimore-ravens-keaton-mitchell-2023-undrafted-rookie-turning-heads\/\" target=\"_self\">Keaton Mitchell<\/a> is an obvious choice for this list. Beyond Baltimore, few people have heard of Mitchell. However, Ravens coaches and fans alike have been <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/05\/09\/baltimore-ravens-udfa-keaton-mitchell-impressing-at-rookie-minicamp-early\/\" target=\"_self\">impressed by the undrafted rookie<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, Mitchell is the fourth running back on the roster. He sits behind J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. He starts the year on IR but may return to the team after the first few weeks of the season.<\/p>\n<p>If Dobbins has the breakout season that many expect him to, Mitchell will have a quiet rookie year. However, if Baltimore end up with a timeshare in the backfield, Mitchell will be handed the opportunity to shine. Mitchell\u2019s value on special teams also means he will likely suit up on game days.<\/p>\n<p>The former Eastern Carolina running back looks to be an excellent fit for Baltimore\u2019s new offense under Todd Monken. Mitchell is a shifty runner who possesses good burst. His excellent receiving ability makes him a good fit for Monken.<\/p>\n<p>Isaiah Likely was the offensive playmaker that garnered a lot of media attention last off-season. It seems that Mitchell in 2023 has had a similar path to Likely in 2022. During the regular season, Likely flashed when called upon. Will Mitchell continue to follow Likely\u2019s trajectory?<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">CBS Sports on RB Keaton Mitchell:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy November, Mitchell will be the hot name to add on waiver wires in fantasy leagues all over the country.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/CjnKi7e6dM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/CjnKi7e6dM<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Ravens Nation \ud835\ude47\ud835\ude44\ud835\ude51\ud835\ude40 (@LIVERavenNation) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LIVERavenNation\/status\/1697649136135286881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 1, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Nelson Agholor<\/h3>\n<p>At 30 years old, Nelson Agholor is not expected to surprise anyone. For most people, Agholor is Agholor: a long-term NFL wide receiver who offers good depth but little starting quality.<\/p>\n<p>2023 looks to be much of the same for Agholor, as he reaches the twilight of his career. Like Mitchell, Agholor is a lost name in Baltimore\u2019s roster as he is currently buried behind Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.<\/p>\n<p>However, news coming out of Baltimore suggests there may be more to come. Agholor has shown no signs of slowing down in practice. Indeed, coach John Harbaugh went as far as saying that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/nfl\/profootballtalk\/rumor-mill\/news\/john-harbaugh-on-nelson-agholor-he-has-been-on-point\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u201che has been on point\u201d<\/a> since <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/03\/25\/what-nelson-agholor-brings-to-baltimore-ravens\/\" target=\"_self\">signing for the team<\/a> this off-season.<\/p>\n<p>Agholor\u2019s fine performances suggest that he will be, at minimum, deployed as one of the team\u2019s deep threats. However, given Baltimore\u2019s unfortunate history with injuries, Agholor could be tasked with more down the stretch of the year.<\/p>\n<p>It is also worth noting that Agholor is among the best run-blocking wideouts in the league currently. For this reason, in Baltimore\u2019s run-first scheme, he will have more opportunities to see the field.<\/p>\n<p>This year, Agholor seems to have taken Demarcus Robinson\u2019s role in 2022. Robinson did not set the world alight. However, he was effective when called upon as the team\u2019s top wideout. If Agholor can effectively hold the fort down in tight situations, he will certainly have exceeded the expectations placed on him.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Air Nelly \u2757\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Hyundai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Hyundai<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SlMUQSPhR9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/SlMUQSPhR9<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Ravens\/status\/1688645872324694016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 7, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu<\/h3>\n<p>Although Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu lost the battle to start at left guard to John Simpson, the rookie is still one of the team\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/07\/03\/the-hidden-gem-for-the-2023-baltimore-ravens-malaesala-aumavae-laulu\/\" target=\"_self\">hidden gems<\/a> in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Aumavae-Laulu has impressed the Ravens coaching staff greatly. As it stands, the former Oregon Duck will be one of the next men up on the offensive line.<\/p>\n<p>If called upon, Aumavae-Laulu will have the chance to show his worth. Given the rave reviews he has received all off-season, it would be no surprise to Baltimore fans if he ends up showing out this year.<\/p>\n<h3>Trenton Simpson<\/h3>\n<p>There is a reason that Trenton Simpson was dubbed a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/05\/08\/baltimore-ravens-rookie-trenton-simpson-named-sleeper-pick-by-college-coach\/\" target=\"_self\">\u201csleeper\u201d pick<\/a> following the draft. The former Clemson linebacker is sneaky athletic and is set to make a name for himself in the NFL.<\/p>\n<p>The reason why Simpson\u2019s expectations in 2023 are so low is because he is buried behind Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen on the Ravens depth chart. Smith and Queen make up one of the league\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/06\/04\/baltimore-ravens-have-best-linebacker-duo-in-the-league\/\" target=\"_self\">best off-ball linebacker pairings<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>As such, Simpson is not expected to see many reps. At least, that is how the narrative is portrayed in most mainstream media.<\/p>\n<p>What people forget, however, is Simpson\u2019s versatility. The young star will likely find a rotational role as both an inside and outside linebacker. At Clemson, he showed good pass-rush prowess, meaning he could be deployed as a pass rusher sometimes too. Moreover, Simpson will undoubtedly contribute on special teams.<\/p>\n<p>It is also worth noting that, because Baltimore declined Queen\u2019s fifth-year option, Simpson is currently penciled in as a starting inside linebacker next year. Given the investment the team have made on Simpson, expect him to be offered some valuable playing time even as a rookie.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Trenton Simpson is calling his shot \ud83d\udcaa <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jhxC1nFxKo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/jhxC1nFxKo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFF (@PFF) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFF\/status\/1652428940449914881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 29, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Jalyn Armour-Davis<\/h3>\n<p>The final name on this list is a player from the 2022 NFL Draft. Jalyn Armour-Davis was a raw cornerback prospect out of Alabama when the Ravens drafted him. His rawness showed when he was torched by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in Week 2 of 2022. Following that performance, the young cornerback has largely been a forgotten name in Baltimore.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023, Armour-Davis <a href=\"https:\/\/bvmsports.com\/2023\/08\/10\/jalyn-armour-daviss-seeks-larger-role-in-second-year-with-baltimore-ravens\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">looks a new player<\/a>. He has always had the frame and athleticism to be successful in the NFL. What was missing was technique and football IQ.<\/p>\n<p>This off-season, Armour-Davis has increased his stock vastly. He has held his own amidst the turbulence in the cornerback room. As it stands, he will be the third-string outside cornerback, behind Ronald Darby and Rock Ya-Sin, thanks to Marlon Humphrey\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n<p>However, given the optimism surrounding the sophomore cornerback, there is a chance that Armour-Davis flashes in his opportunities in Week 1. If he does that, he could be enroute to winning a bigger role in the defense throughout the season.<\/p>\n<p><em>Universal Responsible Gambling Disclaimer:<br \/>\nAges 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Amidst their star power, the Ravens have some under-the-radar players that are ready to exceed expectations in 2023.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4198,"featured_media":145919,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[9538,9852,10013,1438,7638,9915],"class_list":["post-145916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ravens","tag-jalyn-armour-davis","tag-keaton-mitchell","tag-malaesala-aumavae-laulu","tag-nelson-agholor","tag-ravens-featured","tag-trenton-simpson"],"modified_by":"Curtis Leung","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4198"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145916"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145916\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}