Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are perhaps the best edge-rushing duo in the NFL, but that should not affect the draft plans of the Baltimore Ravens one way or the other.
Last week, owner Steve Bisciotti noted the necessity to add more talent and depth at outside linebacker, a position of need for the defense. With Suggs and Dumervil on the wrong side of 30 and Courtney Upshaw a pending 2016 free agent, using a draft pick on an insurance option at edge rusher would behoove the team.
Bisciotti noted that the Ravens could select an outside linebacker – that would help aid the loss of Pernell McPhee – as early as the first round. But, that would be contingent on the right player falling to the team at 26, which is uncertain with the first round just three weeks away.
If the Ravens opt for a different position in the first round, either the second or third round would be ideal to add a backup, rotational edge-rushing talent. One player who could fit the bill comes from the same school as Dumervil: Louisville outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin.
The projected day two pick could be an option for the Ravens in the third round, as he presents plenty of likable traits at the position, but is an average/below-average athlete.
Before diving into what makes Mauldin an intriguing day two pick, his back story is one worth noting. His rough upbringing molded him into a quality football player and someone who is known as a high character guy.
On the field is where Mauldin made his mark in college though, as he notched 20.5 sacks in three seasons, including 16 over his finally two years at Louisville. Mauldin also added eight passes defended and 31.5 tackles for loss. The production was certainly there for the outside linebacker, but a closer look at his play shows more than just the statistics.
If Mauldin were to land in Baltimore, he would – at least in 2015 – be strictly a backup who could rush from both sides in relief of Dumervil and Suggs. A quality rotational piece long term, Mauldin would never need to be a “starter” by name, as he would be used situationally, mainly as a pass rusher, but also as a diverse defensive piece.
Before focusing on his ability to pressure the quarterback, we can take a look at his inherent capability to be persistent in run defense and show high effort throughout the duration of plays:
Mauldin works off the blocker while keeping his eyes on the ball carrier in order to stay upright and ultimately work laterally to chase the running back down from behind.
He also displays quality disengagement to shed and block off ball carriers on the edge while maintaing his focus on the backfield:
As a pass rusher, though, is where Mauldin’s best value can be found. His burst off the line of scrimmage is not one to write home about, but once in the backfield, his consistent effort to work toward the quarterback while fending off blockers is what makes him a viable NFL pass rusher.
Lined up against the right tackle, Mauldin’s swim move is awe-inspiring, leaving the blocker helpless as Mauldin pressures the quarterback:
Mauldin’s marginal athleticism is compensated for by his relentless effort and diverse repertoire of pass rush moves.
Along with his swim move to beat blockers around the edge comes his ability to effortlessly gain leverage on the inside and consequently run downhill at the quarterback, picking up a sack:
The quick moves off the line of scrimmage by Mauldin allow him to beat offensive tackles without elite strength or speed. Sometimes, pure skill (hand usage) can be enough to evade blockers.
This should help counter athleticism issues he could face in the NFL, although expecting him to be as dominant as he was in college is unrealistic. The strength and readiness to take on counter moves by NFL offensive tackles will limit Mauldin’s effectiveness at the next level, but he still presents a strong enough talent pallet to warrant top-100 consideration in the draft.
Combining both his effectiveness against the run and pursuit of the quarterback, Mauldin is a quality, well-rounded option for any 3-4 defense in need of help at outside linebacker. Baltimore would be a perfect landing spot for Mauldin as he would carry a small workload in year one before potentially becoming a more viable defensive option in year two.
On the second day of the draft, particularly in the third round which may be his sweet spot, Mauldin would be a fine selection for the Ravens.
