NFL Draft: Haason Reddick Best OLB Fit For Baltimore Ravens

Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae'lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae'lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Ravens Draft: Haason Reddick has to be an option for the Ravens if he is available with the 16th overall pick:

I have been clamoring for a wide receiver, but even I have to admit Hasson Reddick is a great option for the Ravens in the draft.  Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas will go before Reddick. Garrett is the best edge athlete in the outside linebacker/ defensive end realm. Solomon Thomas is incredible. To me the top five pass rushers in this draft class are so evenly clumped. There isn’t a ton of separation. It’s certainly imaginable that Reddick could end up the best player available in the bunch.

There will probably be two waves of front seven players in the draft. In the first run, you’ll see Garrett, Thomas and Jonathan Allen taken off the board. Reddick will be in the second grouping with Derek Barnett, Taco Charlton and Charles Harris. If my two waves of front seven players theory is correct, Reddick could fall to the 16th slot.

While Charlton probably has the most upside because he is a physical freak of nature, the most NFL ready prospect is Reddick. That’s the key here. If the Ravens are going to ignore their depressingly large need at the wide receiver position, they have to get a pass rusher who makes a mega sized difference right away. Reddick has that outside linebacker polish that could make him a starter in week one.

What Makes Reddick Special:

Reddick’s NFL Scouting Combine numbers are drool worthy. He posted a 4.52 second 40 yard dash. This shows his incredible burst and acceleration. The explosion was on full display when he had a vertical jump of 36.5 inches and a broad jump of 133 inches. If you don’t think that kind of thing matters, you’re wrong. The combine showed us that he is every bit the athlete that he showed on tape, and it points to a high ceiling.

I love the production too. In 2016 he had 65 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and an interception. There was not one element of the Temple Owls defense that he didn’t make a positive impact on.

Next: NFL Draft: Best Case Scenario For Ravens

Reddick looks like a special prospect. He is the best fit for the Ravens. Reddick can make an immediate impact. There are a lot of players that have gotten hype in this draft class. The pass rusher that makes the most sense for the Ravens is Reddick.