Baltimore Ravens GM aims to build a monster backfield with four RBs

Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of Ohio State tries to dodge dfense in the game against University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, U.S., November 18, 2017. /VCG

The Baltimore Ravens surprised many by selecting J.K. Dobbins, a star running back from Ohio State, in the second round of the NFL Draft, because the team already have a shining RB squad made of three-time Pro Bowler Mark Ingram, and two talented young men Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.

"I would equate it to us last year having the tight ends that we had – the three tight ends. Greg (Roman) did an amazing job of taking those tight ends and really creating something special that made us very tough for defenses to play," said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta to "The Lounge."

Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to his teammate running back Mark Ingram in the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York, U.S., December 8, 2019. /VCG

The Ravens finished the 2019 season with a great 14-2 record and their tight ends made quite the contributions to that. Mark Andrews drove 852 yards, completed 64 receptions and had 10 touchdowns in 15 games. The other two, Nick Boyle and Hayden Hurst claimed 321 yards and 31 receptions, and 349 yards and 30 receptions, respectively.

Hurst was sent to the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason and that's how the Ravens got the second-rounder pick which turned out to be Dobbins.

"And now, we've got the four running backs and they all do different things well. It just makes us, I think, a really, really well-rounded team that's tough to defend," said DeCosta.

Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of Ohio State tries to dodge dfense in the game against University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign at Ohio Stadium, U.S., November 18, 2017. /VCG

In his college years, Dobbins had 725 attempts, rushed a total of 4,459 yards, and got 38 touchdowns. In 2019, he drove 2,049 yards and helped Ohio State become the No. 2 seed. Unfortunately, he missed the team's last game against Clemson because of ankle injury.

"We were ecstatic to get J.K. He was by far – by far – the highest-rated guy that we had on the board. We kind of felt like he fell out of the sky right to us, the type of team that we are to get a running back like that," said DeCosta.

Running back Mark Ingram #21 of the Baltimore Ravens ruses past linebacker Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriots in the game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., November 3, 2019. /VCG

Selecting Dobbins could also be part of the team's preventive efforts for Ingram's possible departure. The 30-year-old can put an end to his three-year deal in 2020. Besides, his absence because of injury partly cost the Ravens their playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. It should not go wrong to be well-prepared.

"These guys can all do different things, they should be fresh for four quarters. I think we protect ourselves in case of injuries or things like that. It fortifies us, it makes us stronger, and it gives us a guy with home run potential," said DeCosta.