Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 5′ 10″/182 lbs
Age: 24/Experience: 2
College: Nicholls State
Analysis: Last season, Lardarius Webb exceeded expectations as the Ravens third round pick (88th overall) proving to be a valuable asset in the special team’s return game and in the secondary. Coming from a I-AA school, Webb soared as the All-Southland Conference defensive back and returner as a senior, was Nicholls State’s 2008-09 Outanding Male Student Athlete of the Year and was a two time College Sporting News Fabulous Fifty selection.
With the Ravens, Webb was an immediate difference maker. He recorded 35 kick off returns for 918 yards, a 26.2 yard average and posted a 95 yard touchdown return. On defense, Webb started just four games at cornerback before being placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury on December 22, but posted 36 tackles and 1 sack. His first career start versus Pittsburgh on November 29th turned into a highlight reel performance in which Webb took 4 kick off returns for 85 yards, he also recorded his first sack and 2 solo tackles.
2010 Outlook: The expectations for Webb are higher than ever this season. In an already weak secondary, not to mention the injury of Domonique Foxworth, the Ravens need Webb to step in a perform at a high level again this season. Fortunately, Baltimore also added cornerback Josh Wilson for nickle support. John Harbaugh has already said that Webb won’t be playing special teams this season.
The fan’s expectations for Webb are a little steep. He came off the PUP list just 10 days ago and hasn’t seen live play since his injury in December. To expect Webb to go out and perform his best in week one may be asking for too much. But he’s a guy that many expect will make a full recovery and help out Baltimore’s secondary throughout the 2010 season.
