Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 3 Potential 2019 Free Agency Targets

By Matthew Deinlein

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Tre Boston #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs down field during the of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Tre Boston #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs down field during the of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Bryce Hager #54 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Bryce Hager #54 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Bryce Hager (Inside Linebacker):

Background: 27-years old (05/04/92) 6’1”, 237 lbs.

2017/18 Stats: 1 Game Started, 15 Tackles, 2 Quarterback Hits, 1 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Pass Defends

When you look at Bryce’s stats alone he looks like a backup linebacker that hasn’t done much with his 179 snaps, but with a deeper look, he actually fits well with the Ravens. Hager is a core special teamer for the Rams and he could take over McClellan’s spot for the next few years as a leader on special teams.

His best aspect, though, is his speed and coverage ability and that’s something the Ravens have needed since the Daryl Smith days. According to Pro Football Focus, Hager is the 5th best coverage linebacker this season with an 84.8 grade. That’s almost 15 points higher than Patrick Onwuasor’s grade, who has the best one among the Ravens inside linebackers.

Hager’s athleticism is similar to Raekwon McMillan, an ILB for the Dolphins, except that Hager is more athletic and has a bit more burst. To put Hager’s athleticism in a better perspective, here’s how he compares to top running backs:

  • The 40 yard dash time of Le’veon Bell (Hager-4.6 sec)
  • 1 more rep on the bench than David Johnson (Hager-26)
  • Vertical of Joe Mixon (Hager-35″)
  • A broad jump one inch shorter than Zeke Elliott’s (Hager-117″)
  • and the 3-Cone and 20-yard shuttle of Jordan Howard (Hager-7.15 sec, 4.36 sec)

Next. Evaluating the Ravens offensive line. dark

The Ravens need this speed in the defense and can get him for pretty cheap. At most he’s getting two million a year and that isn’t something the Ravens should pass up.

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