NFL Draft 2020: Ravens grab big-time playmaker in Patrick Queen

The Baltimore Ravens went defense with pick No. 28, going with LSU linebacker Patrick Queen. Is this the guy that Baltimore needed?

Baltimore had a big-time need at linebacker, behind a veteran defensive line. They likely weren’t expecting a guy like Patrick Queen to be available, expecting that someone else would snatch him up beforehand, but they got lucky with him here — the most improved player on the LSU defense by far in 2019.

His tape stands out, despite other Tiger defenders getting more attention.

Queen is a three-down, all-purpose linebacker for the Ravens and fills a need that hasn’t been truly addressed for a couple of seasons now. He is an instant impact type player in Baltimore that showed big flashes down the stretch of the season, making game-changing plays and winning defensive MVP in the College Football Playoff title game. He finished this season with 85 total tackles, 12 for loss and three sacks along with an interception.

The breakout linebacker is a bit undersized and not as fast as some others, but he makes plays when it matters and that is what a team wants to see when they need playmakers at the linebacker position. He was only a one-year starter at LSU, so his experience is lacking for sure, but he made those starts count in 2019, helping his team to an undefeated season and a national title.

Grade: A-

There is room for improvement for sure, but the Ravens’ coaching staff can help there. Look for him to be an instant impact type, finding his way into the starting lineup early and improving on the fly as the season unwinds, just like he did at LSU.