Baltimore Ravens State of the Corps: Linebackers

2 of 2

When you consider Ozzie Newsome’s tendency to draft the best player available, I believe there is a fair chance the Ravens target a pass rusher with the 26th pick. Of course, barring something truly remarkable, the Dante Fowler’s and Vic Beasley’s won’t be available but Alvin ‘Bud’ Dupree and Eli Harold may be.

Alvin ‘Bud’ Dupree

Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) tackles Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks quarterback Pete Thomas (14) at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Bud Dupree is widely regarded as being just outside the top edge rushers in the draft but ahead of the rest of the pack. So there is a fair chance that he drops to the end of the first round. He’s a bit raw and rigid but he has the speed and power to make big plays. Charles Davis, an NFL Media Analyst, thinks that Dupree is a prospect who will be better as a pro than he was in college.

Eli Harold

Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Eli Harold (7) is shown during a play against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offensive lineman Eason Fromayan (79) in their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Eli Harold is somewhat of a dark horse. He isn’t really grouped into the upper echelon of pass rushers by most analysts, but Daniel Jeremiah, ex scout and current NFL Media Analyst (his podcast “Move The Sticks” is excellent), is very high on Harold.

Jeremiah has Harold ranked 26th, one spot ahead of Bud Dupree, in his Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects. As he notes, “Harold lined up in both a two- and three-point stance… He is an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.” Harold is more likely to be available at 26 than Dupree, and while there may be better players available, I feel he is definitely worth a look.

Next: Baltimore Ravens Attend Indiana Running Back Tevin Coleman's Pro Day

More from Ebony Bird