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Could Kamalei Correa Play Inside Linebacker?

By Chris Schisler

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boise State defensive lineman Kamalei Correa speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boise State defensive lineman Kamalei Correa speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here is an interesting thought about the Ravens rookie Kamalei Correa…

Related Story: Arthur Brown Vs. Zach Orr

The Ravens drafted Kamalei Correa as an outside linebacker, but could he end up playing inside linebacker. The Ravens have a position up for grabs in the middle of their defense. The common train of thought is that Arthur Brown or Zach Orr will be the Ravens second inside linebacker. That being said, Correa may be the best option.

There is some precedent for moving an outside linebacker to the interior of the defense. The Green Bay Packers sent Clay Matthews to the Mike linebacker spot. They funneled all of the speed and tenacity of Matthews into the center of their defense. The Ravens may see Correa as a pass rusher of the future, but he could be the middle linebacker of the present.

Arthur Brown and Zach Orr are still relatively unproven commodities. It would not be absurd to think that a rookie would supplant them. If you watch what Correa did on the field at Boise State, it’s clear that he can do it all. He can rush the passer, chase down running backs and play in coverage.

While life inside will be an adjustment for Correa, outside linebacker is still a tough transition for a rookie. With Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil coming back, Correa figures to be a rotational player on the edge. He is who I have pegged as the Courtney Upshaw replacement. He’s a run stopper who can get to the quarterback. But the Ravens have other options here.

Dean Pees could have Bronson Kaufasi or Matt Judon move to the outside linebacker position instead. Judon is perhaps the most explosive player the Ravens drafted this year. By moving Correa inside next to C.J. Mosley, your getting two rookies on the job training.

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It’s just a thought. I see potential in Correa. I think he will be a solid player and the Ravens have multiple places they could put him. Brown and Orr should be given the chance to win the job. If neither linebacker does this convincingly, the Ravens should do this experiment with their second round draft pick.

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