Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins: 'Breakout' Season Coming?
Entering the final season of his rookie contract, Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins has a lot to prove this season.
Given the current climate of running backs on the open market, Dobbins' best chance at a payday could be on the Ravens' franchise tag next season. However, he has to earn that tag (and raise) with a solid 2023 campaign.
Now fully healthy after knee injuries limiting him to just seven games in the past two seasons, Dobbins has been identified as a candidate for a "breakout" season by Bleacher Report.
"Once Dobbins returned last season, he shined," Bleacher Report writes. "He racked up 397 rushing yards and averaged just under seven yards per carry over his final four regular-season games. With another offseason between Dobbins and the ACL tear, that's the sort of clip the Ravens should expect in 2023."
Dobbins, 24, ran the ball 75 times for 427 yards and two touchdowns last season in Greg Roman's run-heavy scheme. While his role may change with Todd Monken calling plays, the more spread-out offense could actually benefit Dobbins and the rest of the Ravens' backfield.
"Dobbins isn't likely to see as many loaded boxes with Baltimore's new playmakers threatening on the perimeter, and he could become more involved in the passing game under Monken," Bleacher Report said. "The challenge, of course, will be staying healthy. If Dobbins can do that, he'll have Pro Bowl potential in his contract year."
Dobbins' breakout has been halted by health since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2020. But if his poor streak of health is officially behind him, the sky's the limit for the Ravens running back.
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