In General Manager Ozzie Newsome’s tenure as the Ravens’ lead evaluator, the club has hit on the majority of its first-round picks. And with just one season in the books, 2014 No. 1 selection C.J. Mosley looks set to be a mainstay at inside linebacker for years to come.
However, safety Matt Elam, the Ravens’ 2013 first-round pick, hasn’t quite established himself just yet. Though Elam has started 26 games in two NFL seasons, his playing time dipped as the 2014 campaign went on, and he logged just 63 defensive snaps in Baltimore’s final four games. The independent player-rating service Pro Football Focus gave Elam its second-lowest regular-season coverage grade among all qualifying NFL safeties in 2014.
Speaking at the Ravens’ annual offseason press conference Tuesday, Newsome indicated more was expected of Elam, the No. 32 overall pick in ’13.
“Matt Elam has to be a better football player for us next year. He has to be,” Newsome said, according to a transcript of his comments from the team.
There may be hope left for Elam. For starters, he does not turn 24 until September. Sometimes, it takes young players a few seasons to find their best form. One notable example: Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith, the club’s No. 1 pick in 2011, had his breakout season in Year Three.
Nevertheless, the Ravens want Elam to pick it up. He’s under contract for two more seasons, with the Ravens holding an option for 2017. Time is on his side, but the clock is ticking.
