NFL: C.J. Mosley, Top Five Rising Stars
By Evan Massey
1. C.J. Mosley, LB, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens got an absolute steal by drafting C.J. Mosley out of Alabama with the 17th pick in the NFL Draft this past offseason. They seem to have found their new version of Ray Lewis, although he still has some work to do to reach that level. He has been everywhere on the field this season, and has already taken on a major leadership role.
Mosley has recorded 85 tackles through the Ravens’ first nine regular season games, and has also intercepted two passes, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble as well. He’s a hard hitting, sure tackling linebacker that has an excellent nose for the football. Baltimore has a cornerstone of their defense with Mosley, and he has plenty of potential to reach for over the next few years.
Baltimore’s defense has been strong for quite a few years, but losing Lewis was a major hit for them. Mosley’s leadership has looked very similar to a young Lewis, and he has brought quickness and strength back to the middle of the Ravens’ defense. There is no question that he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, and he might very well be the best linebacker in the NFL within a couple years.
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