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Baltimore Ravens: 2015 Linebacker Grades

By Joe Serpico

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The bengals won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The bengals won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

A-. <strong>76 Tackles / 40 Assists / 4 Sacks</strong><br /> <strong> 7 Passes Defended / 1 Forced Fumble / 2 Fumble Recovery / 1 Touchdown</strong>. ILB. Baltimore Ravens. C.J. MOSLEY

Not only is Mosley the best young linebacker on this team, he is one of the best young linebackers in the NFL. That is clear throughout the league as he was voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons of professional football. So while his numbers dipped a bit from his rookie season, but there is no confusion about who this defense will be built around as this franchise moves forward.

The sky is the limit with Mosley in terms of potential. He played on all but 10 of the Ravens’ 1,063 defensive snaps and is a player that offenses need to games plan around. He reads plays well, can shoot the gaps on running plays and has the size and speed to rush the passer from the inside. He is constantly in attack mode and will continue to get better with experience. He has all the tools to be one of the best for a very long time. His numbers in his first two seasons are very similar to those of his predecessor, Ray Lewis, and he has embraced his role as the leader of the defense.

His weakness is in coverage, but this era of football makes it difficult for linebackers to match up with speedy running backs and tight ends. That part of his game should improve as he gains more experience. No one expects Mosley to become the next Ray Lewis, but few will complain if he comes close to it. It is going to be fun to watch him blossom as his career continues.

Next: The Bust

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