Ravens who could change jersey numbers under proposed rule originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Change is continuing to come to the NFL in the 2021 season.
After announcing that the 2021 season will now have 17 regular season games, the NFL reportedly is expected to pass a rule that will have less restriction on the jersey numbers that players can wear.
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The NFL appears to be going with a jersey structure that is similar to the college game with number ranges for defensive backs, linebackers, running backs and wide receivers into the single digits, with quarterbacks remaining at Nos. 1-19:
Running backs, wide receivers, tight ends: 1-49, 80-89
Offensive linemen: 50-79
Defensive linemen: 50-79, 90-99
Linebackers: 1-59, 90-99
Defensive backs: 1-49
Kickers and punters: 1-19
Some franchise cornerstones have become synonymous with their current number, but it is still fun to imagine them in some new threads in the upcoming campaign.
Here are five Baltimore Ravens who may take advantage of the potential rule change:
Marlon Humphrey
Current jersey number: 44 | Potential 2021 number: 2
Is there a better way for the Ravens' star cornerback to embrace his status as the league’s premier player at his position than by honoring Charles Woodson, the greatest No. 2 in college football history? Humphrey wore No. 26 at Alabama while Derrick Henry wore No. 2, so we’ll never know if he previously intended to go with a lower number while playing in Tuscaloosa. However, what we do know is that No. 2 will be in command this offseason -- if and when the league approves the rule change.
JK Dobbins
Current jersey number: 27 | Potential 2021 number: 2
The Ravens' second-round running back from 2020 could make quite the second impression by taking over lead rushing duties this season while donning a sleek, new number in 2021. As an Ohio State Buckeye, Dobbins wore No. 2 and that seems likely to be the number he would gravitate towards given the opportunity.
Jimmy Smith
Current jersey number: 22 | Potential 2021 number: 3
Humphrey won’t be the only member of the Raven who could be going for a single-digit jersey in 2021. Smith, a member of Baltimore’s XLVII Super Bowl championship team, shined at the University of Colorado wearing the No. 3. It would seem fitting that he’d play out the final years of his career with the same number he started with back in Boulder.
Patrick Queen
Current jersey number: 48 | Potential 2021 number: 4
Last year’s first-round draft choice wants to wear his collegiate number if the restriction on jersey numbers is lifted. It's not going to come easy, though: Queen’s collegiate number is currently being worn by Lamar Jackson. For now, let’s just imagine a Ravens linebacker making plays with a single digit on his back. Because he tacked on a “4” next to his LSU jersey number when he came into the NFL, it only seems fitting now he would drop the “8” if he can’t broker a deal with Lamar and take on a new identity as No. 4.
Justice Hill
Current jersey number: 43 | Potential 2021 number: 5
Hill can’t feel too dynamic wearing his current number. Going back to the number he shined in at Oklahoma State seems like it might give him some spring, and turn him back into the touchdown machine he was in Stillwater.
And a former Raven who could have benefited from this rule change:
Trevor Pryce
Career number: 90, 93 | Number under rule change: 8
Pryce wore No. 8 at Clemson -- a surprising sight for a defensive end who shifted to No. 90 and 93 in the NFL. After nine years with the Broncos, he joined the Ravens in 2006 and had 82 tackles over his five seasons with Baltimore.
