Ebony Bird
FanSided

2017 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens Best Case Scenario

By Jason Belschner

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is pressured by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) in the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is pressured by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) in the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2nd Round #47 Overall LB Ryan Anderson Alabama

The Baltimore Ravens played some great defense last year, but they could still use a little more youth. Ryan Anderson spent most of his career at Alabama working relentlessly to produce, yet surrounding talent overshadowed him. When guys like Reuben Foster, Tim Williams, and Jonathan Allen play alongside you, it is easy to get missed.

Anderson steps up immediately at strong side outside linebacker for the Ravens. Not only is he a plug-and-play player, his versatility can keep him on the field every down. SOLB is his natural position, but he has the tools to excel at ILB as well. He’s a fierce tackler who caused 6 fumbles over the past two seasons. Plus, he snuffs out plays as he recorded 18.5 tackles for a loss this season at Alabama.

Currently, Albert McClellan is slated to play SOLB for the Ravens. Don’t get me wrong, McClellan overachieved during his successful career with Baltimore, but he’s an undrafted player who worked his way to a starting position. At this point, Anderson could take over there and allow McClellan to play inside linebacker like he did early in his career.

Despite the great tape on Anderson, his natural athletic ability is not at the same level as others in this draft. Also, how much of his production came from opposing offenses taking away Foster, Williams, and Allen. If Anderson starts facing top blockers and even facing double teams, will his knack for shedding blocks continue to shine through.

Upgrading an already strong defensive unit with a player like Anderson could vault them into another level. Baltimore’s linebackers are the historic strength of the team. If Anderson joins Kamalei Correa, Matt Judon, and CJ Mosley, then the Baltimore Ravens will feature one of the greatest linebacker groups in the league.

Home/Ravens Draft