Stephone Anthony: 2015 Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft Prospect
By Brett Foote
Sep 20, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Sean Maguire (10) is pressured by Clemson Tigers linebacker Stephone Anthony (42) during the first half at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
The draft process for an NFL team is a long and tedious one. Scouts keep their eyes peeled on college players year round even though the actual hype begins shortly after the NFL’s regular season ends. We are headed into full blown draft season, an exciting time that reaches its peak when teams are officially on the clock beginning April 30th.
This year we are tracking every player that the Baltimore Ravens talk to or reportedly show interest in. Whether it be a workout, interview, team visit, or simply a rumored bit of interest, we are going to cover them all. We’ll take a look at each prospect and discuss whether or not that particular player might represent a good pick for the Ravens.
Inside linebacker might seem like the last position the Ravens would ever draft in 2015, but keep in mind this is the same team that had no perceivable need at the position last year either. And they proceeded to spend a first round pick on C.J. Mosley. That worked out pretty good, from what I’ve heard.
So even though you may be shaking your head when you hear that the Ravens met with Clemson ‘backer Stephone Anthony recently, rest assured this team doesn’t care about our opinions on what positions they should be going after. And it turns out this guy is a pretty good player as well.
A projected 4th round pick, Anthony is a steady tackler with good sideline to sideline speed and a solid build. He shines when covering tight ends in the passing game (a desirable NFL linebacker trait) and has flashed ball skills throughout his college career. Though Anthony wasn’t a big time blitzer in college, he possesses the traits to become one.
The knocks on Stephone Anthony are below average take-on skills, poor leverage when taking on blocks, and a need to improve his hand usage and arm extension. He is a little slow dropping into zone coverage and when recovering from play action. Anthony doesn’t seem too instinctive and tends to take too many risks at times.
Drawing Zack Orr comparisons, Stephone Anthony projects as a solid depth player who lacks the special skills to become a full time starter at the NFL level. He certainly has the athleticism, but has yet to show the kind of explosion that would make him a difference maker. This is not to say that he can’t be a contributor in the pro’s, which is probably exactly what the Ravens are looking for. After all, they are already stacked with difference making talent at the position.
Next: Track All the Ravens Draft Prospects Here