Ravens rookie RB J.K. Dobbins has been making plays and looking explosive
First-round linebacker Patrick Queen isn’t the only Baltimore Ravens rookie that has looked impressive during the first week of padded practices in training camp. Second-round running back J.K. Dobbins has been turning heads too with his explosiveness, pass-catching acumen, and fiery competitiveness.
Dobbins will be competing for snaps in a crowded backfield this year with all three of the running backs that helped the Ravens shatter all-time rushing records last season returning but if he keeps making plays in practice as he has in camp this week, he’ll carve out a role in no time.
As Jamison Hensley of ESPN aptly tweeted on Monday when the team first hit the field in pads, it is hard to see a Ravens’ running back sporting the No.27 trotting out on to the field and making plays in practice and not think of Ray Rice. The fact that Dobbins was drafted in the same round and with the same 55th overall pick and possess an identical dynamic skillset doesn’t help either.
Dobbins has been going full throttle every time he touches the ball and has displayed quick feet when making lateral movements and great speed when getting to the perimeter and turning upfield. He’s been hitting the holes and getting vertical with good burst and just as the three-time Pro Bowler did during his six seasons as the Ravens’ featured back, Dobbins looks like a dangerous weapon that can be utilized in a variety of ways.
An area where he has been the most impressive is coming out of the backfield running routes and catching passes as a receiver. During Wednesday’s rain-drenched padded practice, Dobbins made one of the best plays of the day when he made a great over the shoulder catch deep down the field with Queen tight in man coverage.
With his breakaway speed and game-breaking playmaking ability to go along with his natural hands as a pass-catcher, Dobbins could be lethal in both the run and passing game for the Ravens. He could pick up some major yardage, create big plays and even score if Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman uses him on screens. It’s a play that they didn’t use their running backs much on last season but could be a part of game plans more this year since opposing defense will undoubtedly be paying much more attention to electrifying dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson coming off an MVP season for the ages.
Even though he’s just a rookie in his first training camp, Dobbins has already shown a bit of a mean streak and made it known that he won’t back down from anyone on the field. Multiple reports from Wednesday’s practice revealed that he got into a pair of heated exchanges with undrafted safety Nigel Warrior that Head Coach John Harbaugh himself had to break up and squash and he also had words with third-year safety DeShon Elliott. While he is known to be a mild-mannered and humble guy, it is always nice to see the competitive nature of players both young and old flare up as long as they are trying to make each other better.
