Well, we knew the Baltimore Ravens would draft an edge rusher at some point during the draft.
After trading back twice and acquiring two extra picks, the Ravens selected Boise State edge rusher Kamalei Correa with the 42nd overall pick. From a “fit” standpoint, Correa and Baltimore are a perfect match.
The Ravens desperately need help on the edge, and Correa (6’3, 243 pounds) is a prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker. Granted there were surely more enticing options on the board, and the Ravens did trade back and opted out of drafting either Myles Jack or Noah Spence.
[Related: KNEE-JERK REACTIONS: Ravens Draft Kamalei Correa]
In three seasons with Boise State, Correa was an ultra-productive player, finishing with 29.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks.
As a Raven, he gives the team a balanced player; one who is relentless against the run and offers enough as a pass rusher to be on the field on third downs. Correa is one of the better pass rushers in the draft when it comes to pure pursuit of the quarterback.
He is also a tremendous athlete when it comes to speed and agility, the two most needed physical aspects for a pass rusher:
So when it comes to projecting Correa’s NFL potential, it is easy to envision him having enough athleticism to continue to grow at the next level.
For an NFL projection, from a career path standpoint, Correa could compare to former Ravens second-round pick Paul Kruger: a player who only contributes rotationally to start, but by the end of his contract is a full-time player.
Surely there were better options at other positions than Correa, but he was the clear top choice in terms of remaining 3-4 edge rushers when the Ravens were on the clock.
Two picks, two needs addressed and nine picks remaining.
