Former Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins impressing in Ravens’ preseason camp

Don’t count me in the camp that’s surprised, but former Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins has been turning heads in Baltimore Ravens preseason camp. Many onlookers have commented on the obvious burst and athleticism Dobbins possesses on the field, and one of them is Aaron Kasinitz of Penn Live.

Kasinitz covers the Ravens and has been an onlooker during the Ravens’ first week of practice. He’s been providing updates and has sung the praises of Ohio State’s single-season rushing yards record holder as a part of his analysis.

And remember, Dobbins fell in the draft all the way to the end of the second round as the fifth back taken in 2020 despite grading out as a potential first-round option. The Ravens couldn’t pass on such talent, and it looks like it’s paying off. At least one Harbaugh got it right eh?

Next … What Kasinitz says about observing J.K. Dobbins

The observations on J.K. Dobbins

During the workout portion of training camp, J.K. Dobbins was talking trash to strength coaches in the weight room, Weiss said. The reason? Dobbins said he wanted trainers to focus on him so he couldn't slack and needed to work harder.

— Aaron Kasinitz (@AaronKazreports) August 22, 2020

What Aaron Kasinitz says

“Second-round rookie running back J.K. Dobbins’ acceleration and shiftiness stood out on the practice field the past couple days. He shook past two other draft picks — first-round linebacker Patrick Queen and third-rounder Malik Harrison — in one-on-one drills Tuesday and rocketed through several holes when he took handoffs.

If there was any doubt that Dobbins could follow his 2,000-yard junior season at Ohio State by contributing to the Ravens in 2020, he erased them as quickly.

So Wednesday, I’d like to see how Dobbins fares in regard to some smaller details. He stepped out of bounds before hauling in a swing pass at one point Tuesday, turning a potential big gain into an incompletion. He’ll aim to limit those types of mistakes, and I’m interested to watch him work more as a receiver and a pass blocker. He’ll need to learn to run behind several different blocking schemes in coordinator Greg Roman’s offense, too.

Dobbins’ talent is obvious. A closer look might reveal whether his game is well-rounded at this point.

In that same vein, running backs Gus Edwards and Justice Hill must realize Dobbins is ready to earn playing time in Year 1. Wednesday’s practice is another chance for those returning ball-carriers to convince coaches they also deserve a large part in the backfield rotation.”

Next … What we say

J.K. Dobbins’ role with the Ravens in 2020

What we say

There’s no denying the ability Dobbins possesses. All you have to do is turn on the film and watch his power, vision, ability to change directions, and breakaway speed. He’s got a rare, rare blend of all that you look for in a running back.

However, he’s on a team that already has plenty of running options with quarterback Lamar Jackson and running backs Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards. But, that could also be a silver lining because the Ravens have a very run-heavy offense, and if Dobbins can continue to make a splash in fall camp, he could wiggle his way into the rotation. That might be all he needs to show what he can do when the bright lights are on.

 

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