The latest arrest of newly acquired Rolando McClain could shake up the Ravens’ plans at middle linebacker yet again. They gave the young linebacker a second (more like fourth) chance, but he blew it. While he could still be in the future plans, it looks like the option of taking a linebacker in the first round has opened up yet again.
Kevin Minter and Manti Te’o have been names floating around at #32, but another college standout has been on many minds leading up to Thursday.
Arthur Brown, the linebacker from Kansas State, has to be a serious consideration inside of the Baltimore draft headquarters. Many have listed him as going in the middle of the first round, but that’s not how this situation will likely play out. Brown can very easily slip to the Ravens and if he does, Ozzie Newsome must snatch him while he’s still available.
His size carries major concerns to teams across the league, and that is why he could end up falling. Brown stands at just 6’1” – coincidentally the same size as Ray Lewis, who just retired, if you hadn’t heard.
Overlooking his small stature, he brings a lot to be excited about when he hits the field. He isn’t one of the most coveted players just because of his stats; rather, his instincts and play diagnosis on the field resemble those of Lewis.
In a particular game against Texas in 2012, he showed that not only does he play with quick instincts, but his closing speed was unbeatable. Shooting gaps like an NFL star, he proved that he was ready to take the next step.
He’s a kid who could help the Ravens in the open field, as I see him being the best player in space in this draft. He can drop in pass coverage fluidly, something that Dean Pees’ defense needs with a thin secondary. Brown has shown that size isn’t something to be too concerned about, and the Ravens aren’t afraid to overlook that when they get on the clock.
Brown is NFL-ready, and he could plug a hole immediately. Once on the clock at 32, the Ravens would be foolish to pass on Brown, assuming he is available.
