Round 4 Provides Grit, Aggression and Versatility
The Ravens continued their rapid fire selections in the fourth round adding Nebraska tackle Alex Lewis, DT Willie Henry and RB Kenneth Dixon.
Strictly a depth move along the offensive line, the Ravens selected the Husker with the 130th overall pick. Lewis, manned the left tackle position for 26 consecutive games dating back to 2014. The 6-6, 315 pound Lewis, was named to the All-Big Ten team in 2015.
“He’s a versatile kid; he’s played both sides of the line of scrimmage,” stated Joe Hortiz, the Ravens Director of College Scouting.”He’s a big, athletic, long, tough, physical guy.”
Hortiz explained that the Ravens did some vetting on the young prospect after an off-field incident that took place during his tenure at Colorado.
“In terms of the incident, we vet all of these guys. It’s out there, people know about it, and we’ve discussed it,” according to Hortiz. “Our scouts do a great job of not only talking to the coaches there, but following up with the staff at Colorado as well.
“And we felt very comfortable after discussing with the staffs at both schools and finding out information from different reports, and then as well as talking to the kid about the incident.”
Draft guru Mike Mayock had a 3rd round grade on the young, raw Nebraska product in his initial mock draft.
With the 132nd overall pick, Ozzie Newsome and company opted for another three-year letterman, Willie Henry out of Michigan.
From one Harbaugh brother to another, Henry appeared in 12 games including nine starts at defensive tackle for Jim Harbaugh.
“It’s going to be great,” replied Henry when asked about playing for another Harbaugh. “They are two great coaches that know what they’re talking about and have great schemes.
“I’m just excited right now. I can’t wait to go play for another coach Harbaugh. So right now, I’m just ecstatic.”
More of a run stuffer, Henry also exhibits pass rush abilities (6.5 in 2015) and gives the Ravens another cog along a defensive front with a reputation for being aggressive.
“They play aggressive and I’m an aggressive player,” remarked 6-3, 305 pound defender. “I feel I’ll fit in perfectly.”
The Ravens concluded their fourth round picks by selecting Pro Football Focus’ second-best collegiate running back, Kenneth Dixon.
Per PFF, “One of the most exciting running backs in the draft, Dixon is a clever runner, capable of cutting on a dime and making overaggressive defenses pay with big plays. He’s also very good in the passing game, particularly when split out wide.”
While the Ravens offensive backfield is a crowded house, Dixon is certainly capable of unseating several backs ahead of him.
“One, he’s very versatile, in the sense that he’s an inside and outside runner,” Hortiz stated about Dixon’s talent. “He’s got very good instincts coming inside in between the tackles, vision, he picks up defenders well, he’s got lateral elusiveness.
“He runs very hard, and he runs with a burst downhill,” added Hortiz. “You see him attack the line of scrimmage and get outside, bounces out. He’s productive in the passing game [and has] good hands.
“Obviously, we mentioned the 87 touchdowns throughout his career. He has a way of finishing when he gets around the goal line – just a knack for getting in, finding the little creases.
[Link: Here’s a look at Round 4’s first two picks]
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