The Baltimore Ravens had high expectations for Matt Elam when they made the safety a first-round pick back in the 2013 NFL draft. Those expectations were quieted a bit after the former Florida standout struggled in a starting role as a rookie. They were pretty much muted after his extensive struggles as a sophomore last season.
Now the team's backup strong safety, Elam is going to miss the entire 2015 season after suffering a biceps injury during practice on Saturday.
Elam, 23, will undergo surgery to repair torn biceps, effectively costing him any chance of proving to the Ravens he can be a starter-caliber safety.
With Elam sidlined, Will Hill will not face any competition for the starting strong safety job. Hill, a fourth-year pro from Florida, has started 18 games over the past two seasons. His most action came as a member of the New York Giants in 2013 when he started 10 games. That season saw Hill put up 77 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown.
Considering his tackle numbers and ability to create turnovers, Hill offers much more upside here. He has long been considered the better safety over Elam—a fact that was magnified by the team's decision to give him the starting job during the offseason.
As it relates to Elam, he will now be forced to enter into rehab with his sights set on returning healthy for his contract year in 2016.