Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals: Seven Players to Watch

C.J. Mosley

Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs with the ball in the first quarter against Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Another defensive player to keep an eye on will be rookie linebacker C.J. Mosley, the Ravens’ first-round pick this year.

Expectations are high for the rookie. I’m not the only one who considers Mosley a Rookie of the Year candidate, as Mosley should rack up tackles all year long.

I want to see two things from Mosley.

First, I want to see Mosley shed blocks to make plays close to the line of scrimmage. Many of his tackles in preseason were several yards downfield. Any linebacker can make those kinds of tackles. I want to see a first-round pick be special enough to make plays in the backfield, where all Ravens defenders should make a living.

Second, I want to see Mosley cover tight ends and running backs effectively. The Bengals have two great receiving threats in Giovani Bernard and Tyler Eifert, not to mention the athletic, if consistency-challenged Jermaine Gresham. Mosley has a chance to stand out against very good talent if he holds up well in coverage.