South Florida Cornerback Chris Dunkley Visiting Baltimore Ravens

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Sep 19, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls defensive back Chris Dunkley (1) runs with the ball during a punt return as Connecticut Huskies safety Junior Lee (23) tackles during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens have met with a number of players over the last few weeks, most of them running backs and pass rushers.  But while both of those positions represent obvious, well known needs, the team has another hole on the roster this offseason – a kick/punt returner.  After letting Jacoby Jones walk in free agency, the Ravens will likely be looking to add a special teams maven via the upcoming draft.

One possibility is South Florida’s Chris Dunkley, who is scheduled to visit the Ravens next week. Officially listed as a cornerback, Dunkley is a converted wide receiver who recorded 26 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, and five pass breakups over ten games last season.  His most valuable contributions came as a returner, where he was named all-conference while averaging 24 yards per kickoff return and 8.5 yards as a punt returner.

Dunkley has some Ravens ties already, forming friendships with Will Hill and Matt Elam, all former Florida Gators.  Dunkley was a redshirt freshman at Florida before transferring to USF.  He went through a rough patch over this time period, fighting injuries, academic issues, and a 2012 suspension stemming from a domestic violence case that resulted in Dunkely entering a pre-trial intervention program.

With his problems seemingly in the past, Chris Dunkley might be a solid target for the Ravens as a potential day three pick.  Not only is he a premium returner, but Dunkley has shown promise at cornerback, a position the Ravens are seeking to add depth to.  Working against them is the large amount of interest Dunkley is receiving, as he is scheduled to visit the Patriots, Bill, and Lions next week as well after already working out for the Falcons, Dolphins, and Chargers previously.

Next: Five Later Round Receivers Ravens Should Target

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