The second player we take a look at for rookie report is Outside Linebacker Kamalei Correa
With aging pass rushers in Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, the Baltimore Ravens needed to add some young talent. They did this in the second round by selecting pass rusher Kamalei Correa. The Ravens traded back to select Correa, allowing the Jaguars to move up and select Myles Jack. It was a typical Ozzie Newsome to trade back and acquire more picks.
Correa spent three seasons at Boise State before declaring for the NFL Draft. His best season came his sophomore year, when he totaled 12 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss. At 6’3″ and 250 pounds, he was the perfect size pass rusher to fit into the Raven’s 3-4 defense. The season before, no Ravens defensive player totaled over six sacks. It was quite the drop in production from 2014 when the duo of Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs combined for 29 sacks. A defense that is known for getting to the quarterback needed a major bolster to their pass rush
Drafted: 42nd overall (2nd round)
What was said about Correa going into the draft
"Strengths: Well-built and twitched up. Has see ball, get ball traits to work with. Rarely fooled by backside bootlegs or reverses. Unleashed his impressive long speed and pursuit motor to run down a Utah State running back 51 yards down the field. As pass rusher, has explosion potential to create some edge panic with NFL coaching. Has second gear to chase from sideline to sideline.Weaknesses: Seems to be more focused on getting out of the blocks quickly rather than gaining ground upfield as a rusher. Hand usage is inconsistent and unrefined. Doesn’t use hands as weapons of victory often enough at the top of his rush. As NFL edge player, will have to play with more jolt and power in his punch."
A Year Of Opportunity
After high expectations last year, Correa did not have the rookie season he wanted. He only appeared in nine game, only totaling two tackles and one forced fumble. The production of Zach Orr and fellow rookie Matt Judon took away playing time from him. A rib injury forced him on to the injury reserve list in December, ending his season. While it was not ideal, Correa has the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent this season. The Ravens are desperate for a pass rusher, but also have a hole at inside linebacker. Realistically, Correa is the person to fill the spot next to C.J. Mosley.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: 5 Must-Win Games in 2017
The Ravens have been scrutinized for missing in the second round of the draft, but calling Correa a bust after one year is absolutely ridiculous. We really have not seen much out of him. One season is also not enough to grade a player. There are plenty of players who blossom after their rookie season and vice versa. I think after this season or next season it is more appropriate to make that opinion. The Ravens are looking to get back to the postseason and Correa could be one of the missing pieces for the defense.