Ravens role player earns unexpected praise from former NFL coach Jon Gruden
Ravens role player earns unexpected praise from former NFL coach Jon Gruden One of the Ravens' role players caught the eye of former NFL coach Jon Gruden.
Being one of the NFL's premier franchises means there are always eyes on the organization. The Baltimore Ravens are never short of a few admirers or interested parties. That comes with the territory as the reigning and defending two-time AFC North champions. Expectations are again soaring as another regular season is quickly approaching.
There is star power all over this team, and in 2025, this proud organization is scheduled to play in primetime four times. They have an opportunity to make history by winning the division for a third consecutive season. That would be the first time any team has accomplished that feat since the AFC Central was transformed into a four-team division 23 years ago.
In 2024, Baltimore placed 11 players on the AFC's Pro Bowl roster. Six players on the roster earned All-Pro designations. Much is expected of them, and the discussions about their potential are continual. One of the more recent came from a recent visitor.
Jon Gruden names four Ravens as Gruden Grinders. One is a designee that you may not have expected.
Jon Gruden isn't someone who can sneak around unnoticed, so when he attended Ravens' OTAs recently, news traveled. As expected, everyone wanted to know the nature of his visit, and head coach John Harbaugh explained.
The former Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach seemingly hasn't ceased his analysis of the flock since leaving town. Recently, he added four familiar faces to his list of 'Gruden Grinders'.
Three are no surprise to anyone. They're also 2024 Pro Bowlers: Patrick Ricard, Tyler Linderbaum, and Marlon Humphries. The other is a depth piece at wide receiver, fifth-year Raven Tylan Wallace.
54 games with one start is the extent of Wallace's regular-season resume. Injuries forced him into action to start both of Baltimore's postseason games last season. He snagged two of three targets during the Wild Card and Divisional Rounds. In total, he has tallied 308 yards and a touchdown during his career.
It seems the opportunities will be limited in an offense featuring Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Isaiah Likely. Gruden, however, defines a 'Grinder' as "guys who love to play and compete", guys who "will play for nothing." Every team needs a couple of those guys, and having one in Wallace adds a fine insurance plan for the roster.
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