So Day 2 is in the books at the NFL Draft. After selecting Matt Elam, the safety from Florida in round 2, Ozzie and company were ready to address the other needs of the team on day 2…and boy did they do just that.
The Ravens moved up in the second round and selected – OK I admit it…they selected my man-crush of the 2013 draft, ARTHUR BROWN, LB from Kansas State.
If you have read anything I have written on the draft over the past three months you know what I think of this pick. Brown was the best LB prospect in this year’s draft. He can play inside and outside. Can blitz and cover. He is a complete football player. If I placed two scouting reports in front of you and asked you which one was Arthur Brown’s and which one was Ray Lewis’ you could not choose.
Yes his tape and college career were that good.
Here’s what others had to say.
NFL.com:
The brother of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2012 seventh-round draft pick, running back Bryce Brown, transferred from Miami (Fla.) to see the field more regularly. It didn’t take long for Arthur to make an impact at Kansas State and became the Wildcats’ most consistent force on the defensive side of the ball during his tenure in Manhattan. Some will question his size, but Brown plays much bigger than his frame suggests due to strong hands and a physical attitude on contact. He projects as either an inside linebacker or weak-side prospect in the NFL.
Comparison: NaVorro Bowman.
Rob Rang, CBSSports:
COMPARES TO: Curtis Lofton, ILB, New Orleans Saints — Like Lofton, Brown plays bigger than he looks and will quickly prove himself to be a vacuum tackler in the NFL. To emerge as one of the elite at their position, however, each has to show a greater ability to cause turnovers.
Mike Mayock:Â “Really fits a need for the Ravens. I believe positional versatility is what Arthur Brown brings to the table. I think he can play inside or outside. He’s very good in pass coverage.”
Scout Russ Lande: ‘He’s the sleeper. Arthur Brown reminds me of Ray Lewis. His tape is almost too good.’ ‘Great athlete, nose for the ball. He flies around the field blowing stuff up. He would be a home run.”
OK so I am not alone. This is a great pick for the Ravens.
Then in round 3 they selected Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern, ST
NFL.com says:
Presents a low center of gravity and strong upper body to push consistently push man-up blockers into the backfield. Gets hands on his man fast, extends his arm to get leverage and can hold his ground. Uses his hands to swim or rip past blockers into the backfield. Also wins gaps by attacking a shoulder or out-quicking his man with a first step. Moves down the line adeptly while engaged to flow with plays. Flashes the agility to jump over trash inside and move well in a stand-up rush position despite his thick lower body. Directs teammates on their responsibilities before the snap. Lines up at five-technique, nose and everywhere in-between.
Rob Rang CBSSports:Â
Compares To: Antonio Garay, NG, San Diego Chargers — It was Garay’s struggles with injuries that pushed him down draft boards rather than level of competition questions, but like the former Boston College standout, Williams’ wide body and strength could make him a quality run-stuffer at the next level.
Williams is an ox with quick feet and long arms and next to Ngata will fill a huge hole for the Ravens. With Cody having struggled so far and having hip surgery this is a nice insurance policy. He is a dancing bear.
I love what the Ravens did on day 2. A solid A after 2 days and an A- overall.
Day 3 of the NFL draft continues at Noon today with rounds 4 – 7. The Ravens after moving up to get Brown have two 4th round selections, a 5th, two 6th rounders, and two 7th rounders left. So seven picks remaining and still room to move up should they choose to in round 4 or 5.
Some of the top players left that could be interesting to the Ravens are:
AT WR:
Quinton Patton
Da’Rick Rogers
Josh Boyce
Ace Sanders
On the OLINE:
Reid Fragel
Brian Schwenke
Jordan Mills
Chris Faulk
At LB:
Khaseem Greene
Kevin Reddick
Keith Pough
Jake Knott
Others:
CB BW Webb
CB Sanders Commings
S Tony Jefferson
S Duke Williams
DE Quantarius Smith
DE David Bass
TE Luke Wilson
QB Sean Renfree
