
Baltimore Ravens 2024 Rookie Class: PFF Final Rankings and Analysis
The 2024 NFL rookie class for the Baltimore Ravens was filled with promise, bolstered by high expectations for the players the team drafted. Throughout the season, these rookies have had varying degrees of success, with some standing out immediately, while others have been more of a work-in-progress. To assess their progress, we’ll take a close look at the final PFF rankings for each player, analyzing their performance based on advanced metrics, their role in the team, and potential future impact.
1. Zay Flowers (Wide Receiver)
PFF Final Ranking: 85.6 Overall Grade
Key Stats: 75 receptions, 980 yards, 7 TDs, 2 drops
Zay Flowers, drafted in the first round as the Ravens’ top wide receiver in the 2024 draft, was expected to bring an explosive playmaking element to the offense. By the end of the season, he had firmly established himself as one of the more promising rookies of the class. His PFF grade of 85.6, one of the highest among rookie wide receivers, reflects his ability to separate from defenders, his strong route-running, and his ability to win contested catches.
Strengths:
- Route Running: Flowers’ agility and quickness allowed him to create separation consistently. He was often able to shake off tight coverage and find soft spots in zone coverage.
- Yards After Catch (YAC): His ability to turn short passes into significant gains was a key factor in his success. His elusiveness and vision after the catch allowed him to be a constant threat.
- Versatility: He was used in various roles, from a deep threat to an underneath option, providing flexibility for the Ravens’ offense. His quickness also made him a threat on screens and gadget plays.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency on Deep Routes: While Flowers was a threat on short-to-intermediate routes, his deep ball ability was still developing. He often found himself unable to adjust to overthrown passes or to win contested catches downfield.
- Separation Against Physical Corners: In some matchups against more physical cornerbacks, Flowers struggled to create the same separation he had in college.
Despite these areas of growth, Flowers’ impressive rookie year gives Ravens fans plenty to be excited about. His development will be crucial to the Ravens’ long-term plans, and his PFF grade suggests he has the potential to become a star receiver in the NFL.
2. Trenton Simpson (Linebacker)
PFF Final Ranking: 78.1 Overall Grade
Key Stats: 81 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 7 pass deflections
The Ravens selected Trenton Simpson in the second round of the 2024 draft, hoping to bolster their linebacker core. He’s known for his ability to both cover ground in the passing game and make plays as a traditional inside linebacker. Simpson finished the season with a solid PFF grade of 78.1, which is highly respectable for a rookie linebacker.
Strengths:
- Tackling and Run Defense: Simpson proved to be a reliable tackler, particularly against the run. His ability to quickly diagnose plays and move to the ball made him a valuable asset in stopping runs between the tackles.
- Pass Coverage: One of Simpson’s biggest strengths as a rookie was his ability to cover running backs and tight ends. His fluid hips and coverage ability allowed him to stay with receivers, earning him multiple pass breakups and interceptions.
- Versatility: Simpson was able to contribute in multiple areas, whether it be rushing the quarterback or dropping into coverage. His adaptability in the defensive scheme was a big reason for his success.
Areas for Improvement:
- Play Recognition: While Simpson showed great potential in coverage, his recognition of plays as they developed still needed work. Occasionally, he would misread plays, leading to missed assignments.
- Engagement at the Line of Scrimmage: Simpson struggled at times with disengaging from blockers. At his size, he needed to develop more strength and technique when dealing with offensive linemen, especially against power running teams.
Overall, Simpson showed that he has the potential to be a key player in the Ravens’ defense for years to come. His ability to impact the game in various ways suggests that his PFF grade could improve significantly in the future.
3. Beaux Brown (Cornerback)
PFF Final Ranking: 79.5 Overall Grade
Key Stats: 41 tackles, 1 interception, 8 pass breakups
Beaux Brown, drafted in the third round, quickly became a fixture in the Ravens’ secondary. His performance in coverage was solid, with a PFF grade of 79.5, showing that he was able to contribute early in his rookie season. Brown was often asked to cover top-tier receivers, and while he didn’t dominate, he showed enough to earn respect in the secondary.
Strengths:
- Coverage Skills: Brown was consistently able to stay with receivers, demonstrating good anticipation and footwork. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the ball helped him to break up passes.
- Physicality: Despite being a rookie, Brown was not shy about mixing it up in run support and providing physicality at the line of scrimmage. He showed a willingness to engage with blockers and help stop plays before they could develop.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency in Coverage: Brown’s biggest challenge as a rookie was consistency. At times, he would get burned by faster or more seasoned receivers, showing room for improvement in his technique, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- Ball Skills: Brown had some opportunities for interceptions but didn’t always capitalize. His ball tracking skills need refinement, as his ability to track passes in mid-air could have led to more turnovers.
In the long run, Brown’s development is key for the Ravens’ secondary. He is already showing that he can hold his own in the NFL, and with more experience, he could become a solid No. 2 cornerback or even compete for a No. 1 role in the future.
4. Keaton Mitchell (Running Back)
PFF Final Ranking: 72.4 Overall Grade
Key Stats: 105 carries, 450 yards, 3 TDs, 15 receptions
Keaton Mitchell was a late-round pick for the Ravens, but he provided some unexpected value. His PFF grade of 72.4 doesn’t fully reflect his impact, as Mitchell was often used in a backup role behind starter J.K. Dobbins. However, when given the opportunity, Mitchell displayed burst, vision, and potential as a change-of-pace back.
Strengths:
- Speed and Burst: Mitchell’s greatest asset was his breakaway speed. Once he found a crease, he was able to accelerate quickly, making him a big-play threat.
- Receiving Ability: As a change-of-pace back, Mitchell proved to be a reliable receiving option out of the backfield, giving the Ravens another weapon in their passing attack.
Areas for Improvement:
- Pass Protection: One area where Mitchell struggled was in pass protection. He was often slow to pick up blitzes and couldn’t provide much help to Lamar Jackson in terms of blocking on passing downs.
- Consistency as a Runner: While Mitchell had flashes of brilliance, he also struggled to gain consistent yards. He had several runs where he was stopped for minimal yardage, and his vision could be more refined when reading blocks.
Mitchell’s development will be crucial for the Ravens as they look to build a stable running back room around Dobbins. His speed and versatility make him a valuable asset, but his ability to contribute in all aspects of the game will determine how significant his role is going forward.
5. Andrew Vorhees (Offensive Guard)
PFF Final Ranking: 73.2 Overall Grade
Key Stats: 12 games played, 3 starts
Andrew Vorhees was drafted in the middle rounds as an offensive line prospect with upside. His PFF grade of 73.2 reflects the fact that he was able to provide solid depth and contribute in various games. However, his limited starting opportunities meant that he didn’t get to showcase his full potential as much as other rookies.
Strengths:
- Pass Protection: Vorhees showed that he had solid fundamentals as a pass protector. His ability to mirror defenders and use his hands effectively allowed him to stay clean in passing situations.
- Athleticism: Vorhees was one of the more athletic offensive linemen in the 2024 draft, and his mobility was noticeable, particularly when pulling or moving to the second level on running plays.
Areas for Improvement:
- Strength and Power: Vorhees needed to develop more power at the point of attack. He struggled with bull rushes and needed to add more strength to compete with more powerful defensive linemen.
- Consistency in Run Blocking: While Vorhees showed flashes in run blocking, there were too many instances where he wasn’t able to move defenders off the ball. His ability to drive defenders back and open running lanes will be a focal point of his development.
Vorhees’ future with the Ravens could depend on his ability to earn more playing time and develop into a more reliable starter. His athleticism gives him a solid foundation, but he will need to refine his technique to reach his full potential.
Leave a Reply