Patrick Queen loves to read and respond, and he has used that approach to learn fast during training camp.
The Ravens’ first-round pick is expected to start at linebacker inside, making any practice crucial. On the field, he has shown the speed from sideline-to-sideline that made him a playmaker at LSU.
“That’s the PQ Special, speed,” Queen said. “I had to blow up guns and show off the first game.”
Queen, however, must also learn the defensive terminology of the Ravens. His speed can sometimes compensate for mistakes, but he does not want to blow orders. Queen spends long hours in the playbook because he wants to play fast, and with confidence.
“If you are not confident, you are not very good,” said Queen. “I learned that fast in high school. Every day I come in, I study, I study at home, I just try to get the plays down. I try to know everything inside and out. When I get on the field, I can have extra confidence. “Every match, every rep, I try to prove myself.”
Queen said he ran a lot of complicated defensive work at LSU, so the scheme is not too different from what he is used to, “but it’s more verbal now.”
“I need to be on page, not just with the D-line, not just the safeties, but both at the same time. It’s a lot of communication, but that can only make us better. That’s the hardest part for me right now, on the same page with everyone else, “said Queen.
“Coming to this level, everything’s very detailed. You’re missing one little thing, it’s inflated. That, I’m just trying to get every little thing down and trying to be very detailed in my game.”
Queen wore a mic in his defensive helmet, practicing to pass the calls from defensive coordinator Wink Martindale to the rest of the defense. He gets enough reps with the first-team unit as the Ravens try to get him on speed after missing these many seasons due to Covid.
“I feel like I’ve progressed in every part of my game – just from [a] standpoint run, to [a] pass standpoint – just try to level the playing field where I am now from college to the NFL, “said Queen.[I’m] try to adapt to the pace of the game. [The] offense has given a great view and the coaches on defense have coached me very well. I look forward to the next few days and entering the season. “
Practicing reps against MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson can only help Queen’s development. He heard a lot about Jackson’s speed and injuries before training camp. Now Queen has seen it, and he is under the impression.
“Lamar is another animal, man,” said Queen. “I feel like if I had to play against him, I probably could have kept my own, but that’s Lamar. You can not limit Lamar. It’s just exciting to be in the position that I should not play against him.”
