After addressing the need for edge help in round two, the Baltimore Ravens went right back to the front seven in round three, selecting BYU defensive end Bronson Kaufusi.
As a true five-technique defensive end, Kaufusi fills the void of Chris Canty, and should mesh well with interior players such as Brandon Williams, Carl Davis and Timmy Jernigan. Defensive ends Brent Urban and Kapron Lewis-Moore showed promise, but help was needed, and Kaufusi addresses that need.
As an athlete, like Correa, Kaufusi excels at two pass-rush-necessary drills: the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle.
Kaufusi should make a living as an athletic 3-4 defensive end who can get to the quarterback. During his senior season, Kaufusi notched 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.
His 6’6 frame and 34 1/2″ arms give Kaufusi the tremendous length needed to play the five-technique role in Baltimore’s defense. With minimal defensive end depth – Lawrence Guy is the most proven player of the bunch – Kaufusi very well may see the field more than many expect in 2016.
For a third-round pick, Kaufusi should give the Ravens plenty of quality snaps working in with Guy, Urban and others, and should be able to get to the quarterback enough to warrant the 70th overall selection.
With a left tackle and two front-seven players, the Ravens still have nine picks to go.
