The NFL Combine is wrapping up today, and the Ravens brass have been busy meeting with players and watching the workouts. Ozzie Newsome and company will bank on several of these players helping them fill some of the holes they currently have on their roster.
While much attention has paid to the franchise tag that was just placed on kicker Justin Tucker, and to getting Joe Flacco‘s contract extension done to free up valuable cap space, there are other roster moves looming. One of those, it seems, is that the Ravens are likely to let linebacker Coutney Upshaw hit the open market.
Ravens love Upshaw, but Newsome and Harbaugh have pretty much both said that you can't keep everybody when asked about Upshaw this week.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 26, 2016
The loss of Upshaw will create a void in the Ravens run defense as his ability to set the edge was outstanding; however, his lack of pass rushing ability has always been glaring, and is likely the main reason the team feels they can fill his spot with someone younger and less expensive.
Looking ahead as to a potential replacement for Upshaw, one guy who has caught the attention of the team’s front office is Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins.
Per a source at the combine, the Ravens appeared heavily interested in the 6’3, 259-lb OLB, who could likely give Dean Pees’ defense everything Upshaw provided and more, given his intangibles.
One AFC Director of scouting had this to say about Jenkins, per NFL.com:
“I think he’s a plug-and-play second-rounder who can play in an odd or even front. He reminds me of the type of guy Ozzie (Newsome) looks for with his toughness.”
While limited by a nagging hip/groin injury in 2015,  Jenkins was productive for the Bulldogs, posting 59 tackles, 10.5 for loss and four sacks. Lauded for his high football IQ, Jenkins appears to have the intangibles to become a lock down edge setter given his long arms and hand size.
Like Upshaw, his pass rushing ability figures to be his main weakness. However, the 80/20 mantra of Newsome (80% production for 20% of the cost) certainly comes into play. With more coaching at a professional level, his pass rush skills could vastly improve, particularly with the Ravens’ linebacker coaches.
While it’s obviously unlikely the Ravens will select him with the sixth overall pick, as there are much bigger needs on defense at corner and pass rusher, Jenkins could be there if they opt to trade back or even as an option in the second round.
Jenkins certainly isn’t a flashy player but his blue-collar work ethic would fit well on a Baltimore defense, and he could be the next in the mold of Upshaw and Jarret Johnson before him – and hey, he’s another “J.J.” to boot.
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