The Ravens continued to add defense with their first pick in the third round and 70th overall when they selected defensive end Bronson Kaufusi of BYU.
Kaufusi was another “red star” player, or a player one scout was willing to call his favorite in the draft. He was highly touted by others in the scouting department, too.
Kaufusi brings another versatile pass rusher. After a below average season rushing the passer, the Ravens could use anything they can get in that department.
Kaufusi wasn’t a popular pick; many didn’t even recognize his name. But he was highly productive during his collegiate career at BYU. Per Pro Football Focus, Kaufusi recorded the second-highest run-stop percentage among 3-4 defensive ends in 2015. He also produced the best pass-rushing productivity rating at 13.2, registering 10 sacks, 14 hits and 34 hurries.
Bronson envisions himself playing defensive end for the Ravens in 2016, but defensive coordinator Dean Pees could decide to move him around.
“I can play all over, multiple defensive fronts. I’ve played in the five-technique, the three-technique,” remarked Bronson. “For one year, my junior year, I played outside linebacker and was able to really learn the coverages and learned the game from that point of view, which I feel like really helped me going into my senior year where I played defensive end and outside linebacker. So, I feel like whatever they feel is the best, I feel like I can fit for them.”
Newsome shared Kaufusi’s sentiments.
“Kaufusi is a guy … We don’t know how big he’s going to get at this point,” stated Newsome. “He can play two or three different spots for us also. We think we really helped the defense and we really helped our football team by making all of the trades.”
Kaufusi certainly fits the mold for the nasty type of defense that the Ravens want to have. His work ethic alone epitomizes what it means to be a Raven.
“They’re getting a player that is relentless every single play, a player that wants to make plays, not only for myself but also for my teammates and coaches,” said the former BYU standout. “[I’m] a dedicated player, someone who wants to be the best and is willing to put in the time and sacrifice so that I can be at my best when my best is needed.”
He may not be the sexiest pick of the third round, but Bronson adds versatility and depth to a unit that requires it. He will need to be a playmaker at multiple positions. As of now, there’s no reason to doubt he can do just that.
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