The Baltimore Ravens have received strong contributions from several young defenders throughout the preseason. Few players have generated more buzz recently than outside linebacker Ethan Burke.
The undrafted rookie continued building momentum duringBaltimore's 13-3 preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings, recording a sack, forcing a fumble, and making several impact plays as he strengthened his case for a roster spot. Burke's performance has become one of the more encouraging developments of the summer, and he's drawing attention from teammates as well.
One of those teammates is fellow outside linebacker Mike Green. He spoke with the media after the game and didn't hesitate when asked about Burke's emergence following Saturday's game. Green pointed
to Burke's daily habits, preparation, and professionalism as the reasons for his rapid development during training camp.
"I am very impressed with Ethan Burke... His work ethic, the way he comes in and works on his craft, the way he practices and the way he carries himself, I am very impressed with him."
Mike Green believes Ethan Burke is proving people wrong
Perhaps the most revealing part of Green's answer came when discussing Burke's path to Baltimore. Burke arrived as an undrafted free agent after a productive college career while with the Texas Longhorns. He joined a crowded outside linebacker room that already featured established veterans and highly regarded young talent. The Ravens viewed him as a developmental prospect entering camp, but his preseason performance has started changing perceptions.
Green admitted he has been surprised by how quickly Burke has made an impact. His compliment wasn't the type that teammates hand out casually.
"I am surprised that he is an undrafted free agent, but I am glad that he is here."
For a young player competing alongside Burke every day in practice, it speaks to how highly he views the rookie's ability and potential. One theme that continues surfacing throughout Ravens camp is the competitive environment inside the outside linebacker room.
The Ravens' young pass rushers continue pushing each other
Veterans such as Trey Hendrickson and Tavius Robinson have helped establish a high standard, while younger players continue challenging each other for opportunities. Burke recently credited those veterans for helping accelerate his development, and Green's comments suggest that respect flows both directions. The second-year linebacker believes Baltimore's young defenders are benefiting from the competition.
"Competition is what makes us all better."
That mindset has shown up repeatedly throughout the preseason. Several young defenders have flashed during games, creating difficult roster decisions for the coaching staff and adding depth to one of the team's most important position groups. Green sees Burke as part of that future.
"He is going to be good, and I am excited for his future."
For an undrafted rookie trying to earn a place on the roster, there may not be a stronger endorsement than that. Burke still has work to do before final cuts arrive, but if he continues producing the way he has through two preseason games, he may force the Ravens to make exactly the kind of difficult decision Jesse Minter recently challenged young players to create.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Mike Green delivers strong endorsement of Ravens rookie Ethan Burke
