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Pat Ricard could prove to be an undrafted gem for the Ravens

By Joe Schiller

Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; A general view of the Baltimore Ravens logo painted on the hill outside the Under Armour Performance Center prior to the start of mini camp. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; A general view of the Baltimore Ravens logo painted on the hill outside the Under Armour Performance Center prior to the start of mini camp. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens might have found a gem in undrafted free agent Pat Ricard

OTAs are great time during the offseason because it’s a chance to look at undrafted and lesser known players on rosters. They have a chance to compete and earn a spot on the 53-man roster. No team takes undrafted players more seriously than the Ravens. They know exactly how important they can be. Every year it seems like they find someone. This year, Pat Ricard could be that guy.

Ricard went undrafted out of Maine, but had a very good college career. During his junior and senior season, he totaled over 100 tackles and 30 tackles for loss. He found a home with the Ravens and has been impressing already.

Ravens beat writer Jeff Zrebiec highlighted Ricard during OTAs. Here is what he had say:

"Another undrafted player who looked promising was Maine defensive lineman Pat Ricard. In one drill, he badly beat fourth-round pick Nico Siragusa before getting to the quarterback. Ricard is the type of hard working and hard-charging player the Ravens organization loves. There’s a long way to go, but Ricard figures to get a nice look."

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As Zrebiec mentions, the Ravens have a good track record at finding undrafted talent at defensive lineman. Just last year they found Michael Pierce who had a great rookie season. That is why the Ravens front office is considered one of the best in the NFL. For them, the draft never ends after the last pick.

Hard Nose talent the Ravens love.

At 6-3, 285 pounds Ricard definitely has the frame for a defensive lineman. Add that with his hard-work mentality and the Ravens could have a very good player. A lot of these undrafted players come in with a chip on their shoulder because they didn’t get selected. We see this especially with players from smaller programs. They don’t get the same looks as all the big schools.

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You would think the Ravens don’t need anymore help at defensive line with Williams, Pierce and Wormley, but it always helps to have more depth. At a position like defensive line, players are constantly being rotated in and out. Having a fresh set of legs to come in is very important, especially in todays NFL where offenses like to run no huddle and quick offensive sets.

If Ricard keeps making plays and impressing in OTAs, he should find his way on to the 53-man roster.

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