Baltimore kept up their run of pass rushers in the fifth round as the Ravens add the NCAA sack leader, Grand Valley State’s OLB Matt Judon, with the 146th overall pick.
Judon, the nation’s sack leader (20) in 2015 could be that perennial play maker that could make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks this season.
Despite playing in the GLIAC division, the 6-3, 275 pound backer drew interest from the Ravens early on in the draft process after putting up freakish sack totals throughout his collegiate career, recording 34 in total.
The Ravens brass, including assistant GM Eric DeCosta are confident the FCS player’s talents will translate to the NFL in 2016.
“That’s a tough thing. We’ve, over the years, drafted a lot of small school players, and that’s a challenge, the different levels of competition,” explained DeCosta. “But, I think in Matt’s case, we’ve got some excellent area scouts who go in there and go to those schools, and they loved him as a player in the fall. We looked at the tape. He went to the Combine and had a great workout.”
Judon’s skills quickly caught the eye of both Newsome and Harbaugh.
“In fact, I remember sitting up – Ozzie and I sit together way up high – and during Matt’s workout, I remember texting coach [Harbaugh] and saying, ‘This kid from Grand Valley State is having a great workout.’ And John said, ‘I know. We’ve got to spend more time looking at this guy,’” added DeCosta.
“That’s the great thing about the Combine, is you get a chance to see guys from all different conferences and backgrounds and levels of football competing on the same stage.
“He had all the skills you look for – the athletic ability, the size, and he had the production on tape, the ability on tape. His numbers were good. Everything really looked good.”
The Ravens wanted to be sure before spending their 5th round pick on Judon, so team officials set up a workout in Baltimore to get one last look before draft day to get to know the young pass rusher.
“It made it an easy decision for us,” said DeCosta.
While it remains to be seen just how the Ravens will use their new pass rusher in 2016, the intrigue surrounding rookie mini camp and training camp has certainly ratcheted upwards.
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