OWINGS MILLS — Minutes before boarding the train back to Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon, Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson said he’d like to return to Baltimore one day as a full-fledged member of the Ravens.
"It was a great visit and I would love to play for them," Wilkerson told Ravens24x7.com in a telephone interview following his official visit to the Ravens’ training complex. "I think they like me. The visit went well."
A first-round draft prospect, Wilkerson met with Ravens coach John Harbaugh, general manager Ozzie Newsome and huddled with defensive line coach Clarence Brooks.
"Coach Harbaugh is a great guy, and it was very cool meeting Ozzie," Wilkerson said. "It was a great day for me to meet the top guys and see how they felt about me. I got a tour of the place. That’s one big weight room."
Wilkerson had previously worked out for Brooks at his campus Pro Day workout.
"I’ve heard a lot of good things about coach Brooks," Wilkerson said. "He’s a great person. I’ve seen them play a few times, and they have an outstanding defensive line. It’s a tremendous defense with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. I would love to be a part of that."
Wilkerson has conducted private workouts for the Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs and has met with the New Orleans Saints. He has upcoming visits with the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans.
The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder from Linden, N.J., was a first-team All-Mid-American Conference selection last season as he recorded 70 tackles, 13 for losses and 10 sacks last season and was named the Owls’ Defensive Most Valuable Player.
Wilkerson is regarded as one of the fastest-rising draft prospects, leaving behind the sleeper category and emerging as a first-round commodity.
He’s expected to be picked somewhere in the second half of the first round.
