Ebony Bird
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Ravens Draft: Take Caleb Brantley Off The Draft Board

By Chris Schisler

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) looks to pass while defended by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) looks to pass while defended by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Caleb Brantley isn’t an option for the Baltimore Ravens. Now he may not be an option for any NFL team:

Caleb Brantley is a nose guard who can have a huge impact on the game. Few 320 pound prospects can move the way that Brantley can. In fact, I have never seen a nose guard with a Dwight Freeney like spin move, other than Brantley.

According to reports, Brantley has been arrested for assault and battery. This is from Michael David Smith’s report for Pro Football Talk:

"“Brantley was arrested in Gainesville for allegedly punching a woman, knocking her unconscious and knocking out a tooth. He is facing a misdemeanor count of simple battery.The police report says the 307-pound Brantley punched the 120-pound victim in the face. Although the report says the victim pushed Brantley first, it says that the “use of force was clearly out of retaliation and not self defense” and that Brantley’s force “far exceeded what was reasonable or necessary.” Two witnesses saw Brantley punch the woman, police say.”"

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Yep, he is not a player the Ravens will even consider drafting. The Ravens have shied away from drafting players with character concerns ever since the Ray Rice incident. The aftermath of the Rice ordeal changed the way the Ravens operate. It’s safe to say the Ravens learned their lesson. Before Rice’s horrible actions in that casino elevator, he never raised any red flags. The Ravens are less willing to take a chance on draft prospects with character concerns. Domestic violence is the ticket to being ignored by the Ravens, and rightfully so.

Incredible Talent Could Go To Waste

I studied Brantley’s game a lot. He was my number two defensive lineman, behind Jonathan Allen. He ranks 22nd on the Ebony Bird Big Board. His name is going to drop far on my board after this horrible development. From a purely football perspective he is an incredible prospect. On the field he could have an Aaron Donald like impact. Honestly, his skill set is very reminiscent of a young Haloti Ngata.

Brantley probably wasn’t an option for the Ravens any way. The Ravens just signed Brandon Williams to a big five year deal and Michael Pierce isn’t going anywhere. Brantely could have been a candidate to replace Timmy Jernigan at the defensive end position. Brantley went from a first round pick to a guy who may not get drafted. He did something stupid, awful and indefensible.

Next: 5 Must Win Games For The Ravens In 2017

The Bottom Line:

The Ravens are not going anywhere Brantley. If he was sitting there in the third or fourth round, it would be tempting. Ultimately though, the Ravens are not putting that kind of negative publicity around the team again.

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