Baltimore Ravens: Trace McSorley receiving reps as returner

Trace McSorley appears set to be used in multiple ways as a rookie by the Baltimore Ravens, with the former quarterback getting return game reps.

Trace McSorley’s selection by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round will have been viewed by some as a wasted pick.

In terms of what he offers the quarterback room, McSorley’s selection was a superfluous one. The Ravens obviously already have their starter, 2018 first-round pick Lamar Jackson, locked in, with Robert Griffin III providing an experienced backup who can run the offense in a similar way.

However, the Ravens clearly have plans to use McSorley heavily in other areas. The former Penn State star was asked to try out at safety at the Combine and, per NFL.com, McSorley revealed the Ravens have been looking to harness his athleticism by using him as a punt returner in practice.

"“It’s something that’s a new challenge for me, something that I hadn’t really… done. So it’s just something interesting to be able to come in and learn and try and prove myself in a different way that I can be able to get on the field and make an impact… It’s been interesting. It’s had its ups and downs, obviously the first couple times doing it, but it’s going well. I’m looking forward to be able to come out and do anything that I can, especially in the special teams aspect for the team. I want to prove myself there.”"

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta told PFT Live that, inspired by the New Orleans Saints’ usage of former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill, the Ravens picture McSorley as somebody they can use in a multitude of ways.

"“I think he’s a football player and everything that entails. His skill set is varied and multiple. He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s tough, he’s a playmaker, he’s a football player. We’ve seen teams, for instance the New Orleans Saints with Taysom Hill, we’ve seen other teams find ways to play with players like this and they can help you win football games. He fits our defense, he fits our offense, he fits special teams.”"

In a copycat league it is no surprise the Ravens have eyes on replicating the success the Saints have had with Hill by adding McSorley. Hill has grown from a player used solely on special teams and occasional gimmick plays to a regular feature of the Saints’ attack, his athletic abilities and skills a runner, passer and receiver helping New Orleans to consistently confound defenses.

Having excelled for the Nittany Lions under center, McSorley wanted to be drafted to play quarterback. However, Hill’s rise and the Ravens’ clear desire to use McSorley in a variety of roles provide clear evidence that there is a window to being an impact player in the NFL for college quarterbacks who are athletically blessed but lack the tools to have consistent success at that position in the pros.

The 2020 season will see the likes of Bryce Perkins, Khalil Tate and Jalen Hurts all try to prove they deserve a shot at playing quarterback in the NFL. Yet even if they fail to convince pro talent evaluators, the career paths of Hill and McSorley make it more likely they will still have a chance at productive NFL careers in another capacity.