Baltimore Ravens: which young linebacker will step up?

The  Argument for Kamalei Correa:

Kamalei Correa will face tons of pressure to avoid being the latest Ravens second round pick to bust in the last few years. That list includes Maxx Williams (another player who needs a big 2017 to avoid the “bust” label), Arthur Brown, Terrance Cody, etc.

There have been second round picks who have flourished for the Ravens. Correa should hope to join that list, which includes Timmy Jernigan, Kelechi Osemele, Torrey Smith, etc.

At 6’3″ 243 lbs, Correa has a very ideal build for a middle linebacker with tons of upside.

Related Story: 2017 Ravens: which young defensive end steps up?

When looking at Correa, it is important to note that he is still adapting to a new position. The former Boise State product was primarily an outside edge rusher, who racked up 20 sacks and 31.5 tackles for loss in his three-year career.

The tape shows a natural pass rusher who has great speed to explode and crash the pocket. All the talent is there for him to develop into a great blitzing linebacker. When the ball is near, he swarms in and makes the tackle.

Examining Correa’s Problem Areas:

Overall, he is very raw. He doesn’t appear to have a set of moves to disengage with blockers and panics when he can’t shed blocks.

The biggest concern is that Correa displays great functional strength at the combine (21 bench reps) but lacks the actual play strength needed to be an outside force. This means that his physical strength doesn’t match what we see, which is a player who doesn’t consistently win one-on-one match ups.

This could be why the Ravens decided to move him inside. This way he avoids strong offensive tackles who would completely neutralize him.

While he does have some experience in dropping into coverage, he is very stiff. This could prove troublesome should he take the starting role.