According to Heavy’s Matt Lombardo, the Baltimore Ravens signed defensive tackle Ja’Mion Franklin of Duke in a hurry to secure their selection among the undrafted free agents.
With pleasure, Franklin is on his way to Baltimore. The 24-year-old wrote, “Blessing, let’s get to it!” on X.
Franklin, who Elliott Jarnot of The Chronicle called a “destructive force up the middle,” will join the Ravens’ packed D-tackle room. The group is led by 2023 breakout player Justin Madubuike, who, according to Spotrac.com, received a $98 million four-year contract deal this offseason.
Although the Ravens have enough of players at Franklin’s position, the team has always been open to adding a large player to the center of the defensive line. Franklin still meets the Ravens’ standards for the trenches, even with Zach Orr taking over as defensive coordinator in place of Mike Macdonald.
Ja’Mion Franklin Matches the Front of the Ravens’ Profile
Joining a team that appreciates stout run-stuffers at the center of the D-line should delight Franklin. At Duke, Franklin’s primary strategies were to obstruct running lanes and overwhelm opponents.
The Scouting Combine was where Jarnot noted that “the Ridgley, Md. native proved that his on-field performance was no fluke, posting 36 reps on the bench press — setting the program record and lifting more than any defensive lineman at the combine.” Those same qualities were evident there.
Against Clemson, the 6-foot-1, 306-pound player demonstrated his ability to block kicks in a spectacular play that was highlighted by Nic Mason.
Franklin possesses the skill set to remain with a team that has a rich history of producing large interior defensive lineman. Running against the Ravens became challenging due to the double teams absorbed by Tony Siragusa, Sam Adams, Haloti Ngata, and Brandon Williams.
Franklin now has the opportunity to prove himself in a comparable capacity. Although there will be a lot of competition for snaps to anchor the middle, he is talented.
Ravens Packed at Tackle Position
Although rushing the passer defines Madubuike’s game more than anything else, he is still a top player at his position following a great 13-sack year. But due to Brent Urban, Michael Pierce, and Travis Jones, there are plenty of run-stuffers available.
Out of the three, Jones is the most fascinating because he is a third-round choice in 2022 and has not yet realized his full potential. Jones, who weighs 338 pounds and stands 6-foot-4, is a prime contender to occupy rushing lanes.
Ironically, despite their wealth in the middle, it was a bit of an issue for the Ravens the previous season. Surprisingly, Baltimore’s defense allowed 4.5 yards per carry.
This number indicates that a natural 0-technique player with the ability to play over center and split gaps will have opportunities. Although Franklin has the necessary intangibles, Bravvion Roy, a player who is comparable to him, may provide him with some early challenge.
Roy is another big guy that can be useful against the run and was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Even though Roy was on the practice squad the previous season, Ravens.com Editorial Director Ryan Mink claims that Roy was nonetheless awarded a reserve/futures contract back in January.
Roy and Franklin will have the opportunity to see the field and do what Pierce, Jones, and co. found difficult in 2023 if they can make a mark this offseason.
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