Baltimore Ravens Meet With Slew of Defensive Players at 2015 NFL Combine
By Brett Foote
Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive lineman Carl Davis speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
After an impressive day of offensive player performances, defense finally got to take the stage at the NFL Combine starting on Sunday. For a team that prides itself on stout defensive play, the Baltimore Ravens were surely more than happy to meet with some of the upcoming draft’s top talent on that side of the ball.
Among them, the team met with defensive linemen Bud Dupree, Carl Davis, Za’Darius Smith, and Arik Armstead, tackle Danny Shelton, and ends Shane Ray, Ryan Delaire, and Randy Gregory.
Kentucky’s Bud Dupree is an exciting and explosive player with a background as a basketball player. His production at KU was impressive and he has undeniable upside as a guy who is still learning the game. Dupree is able to win with sheer athleticism but is a little slow to diagnose at this point.
Iowa’s Carl Davis has the size of a first rounder but has not historically been productive as a pass rusher. Davis has a habit of falling off late in games in spite of his potential. Za’Darius Smith is quite the opposite, willingly mixing things up and playing all out when he steps foot on the field. Many scouts don’t feel that Smith has the size to play end in a 3-4 defense, however.
Arik Armstead improved his game considerably last season, exploding on to the scene with elite size and technique. He has the ability to develop into a dominant run stuffing end but is still a little raw in regards to pass rush. Washington’s Danny Shelton is an above average interior pass rusher and dominant run defender who draws comparisons to Vince Wilfork, and is easily one of the most athletic 340 pound guys you’ll ever see.
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