The Baltimore Ravens activated RB J.K. Dobbins from the PUP list Monday, clearing the way for the talented tailback to return to the backfield. Dobbins is unquestionably the most talented back the Ravens have and provides balance to what should be a dynamic offense.
Reportedly, Dobbins is staging a “sit-in” to get a new contract. With the current RB landscape the way it is, there are more unknowns than knowns.
It doesn’t feel like Dobbins has much leverage since he has been oft-injured and has missed significant time during his young NFL career. What type of player can we expect from Dobbins in 2023?
Ravens Activate J.K. Dobbins From PUP List During His ‘Sit-In’
The NFL thought highly of Dobbins entering the 2020 NFL Draft. Many draft analysts considered Dobbins a borderline first-round prospect, but he slid slightly to the Ravens with the 55th overall selection.
Dobbins exploded onto the scene at Ohio State, running for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman. Dobbins was a perfect fit for the one-cut-and-go style of the Buckeyes’ offense and quickly developed into the top back on campus.
Dobbins ran for 1,000 yards again during his sophomore season, but his yards per carry dropped from 7.2 to 4.6. Dobbins was hampered by injuries and played through it, but he wasn’t the same player.
Fortunately, Dobbins put it all together during his junior campaign, toting the rock 300 times, eclipsing 2,000 yards. Dobbins ended his Buckeye career on a high note and headed to the NFL.
Dobbins’ Career Thus Far
Dobbins quickly showed the Ravens why they drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He displayed quickness and elusiveness, quickly carving out a role in the offense.
Dobbins averaged six yards per carry and looked like a potential superstar back for the Ravens. Unfortunately, for Dobbins and Baltimore, his career took a turn for the worse.
Dobbins suffered a severe knee injury during the 2021 preseason and was done for the year. The injury was devastating for the young back, losing his second season before it got off the ground.
The injury was horrible for the Ravens, who were counting on Dobbins’ rushing upside for the 2021 season. The offense took a big step backward, and Dobbins’ absence was a primary culprit.
Dobbins teased us all throughout the 2022 season. The Ravens RB would show us glimpses of the player he was in 2020 but would then be sidelined with a knee injury.
When you watched Dobbins on the field, something just wasn’t right. It didn’t appear that he trusted his knee entirely. At times, it looked like he was running on one leg.
Dobbins averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2022 and was nowhere near 100%.
Expectations for Dobbins in 2023
First look at J.K. Dobbins back at Ravens’ practice pic.twitter.com/IiAe52IC6J
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 14, 2023
What type of play will we get from Dobbins in 2023? Dobbins is a talented back who can explode through the offensive line in a blink of an eye.
He has never been the most versatile back and doesn’t catch many passes out of the backfield, which caps his overall upside. As far as two-down explosiveness, there are few players that can rival Dobbins.
The 2023 season is a pivotal one for Dobbins and the Ravens. Baltimore has a new offensive scheme, which will likely be less run-dependent, but they still need Dobbins at 100% to unleash this offense.
Dobbins needs a good season to get a contract he feels he’s worth. Expect the Ravens’ offense to be one of the most improved units in football in 2023 and for Dobbins to have a bounce-back season.