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Baltimore Ravens scouting reports: Khalid Kareem a flexible d-lineman

By Richard Bradshaw

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Khalid Kareem #53 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on while warming up before the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Khalid Kareem #53 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on while warming up before the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Julian Okwara isn’t the only Notre Dame pass rusher entering the 2020 NFL Draft, as his counterpart, Khalid Kareem, looks to be a day three stash away guy.

Breakdown:

Khalid Kareem is a massive human being that could perhaps get even bigger. During his time with the Fighting Irish, Kareem showed off his long frame and brute strength to anchor his side of the line and stop the run. Kareem also made splash plays in the turnover depart, recording three forced fumbles in 2019 (a team-high).

Where teams will love Kareem is in the build to where he could play all throughout the defensive line. Ideally a 4-3 defensive end, Kareem does have experience lining up at the 3-tech spot, allowing him to bump inside on nickel packages.

Overall, Khalid Kareem looks like someone who can play a role with a team early on in his career, especially once he develops some counter rush moves.

Notable stats for Khalid Kareem (full stats here) 2016-2019:

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  • 13 career sacks (team-leading 5.5 in 2019)
  • Team leading three forced fumbles in 2019
  • 20.5 TFLs over last two seasons

Strengths:

  • Built like a bull at 6’4″ 268-lbs.; 34 3/8″ arms and 10 7/8″ hands
  • His big frame will allow him to bulk up even more and play inside
  • Speaking of which, he has experience lining up inside
  • Uses his length well to keep his pads clean
  • Stout vs. the run; has the ability to set the edge
  • Stabs and initial punch are like a boxer’s; can utilize a bullrush with his upper body strength

Weaknesses:

  • Lack of production despite a massive, imposing frame
  • Won’t be a guy who can stand up at the next level; pigeonholed to a three-point stance only
  • Sluggish out of stance; lack of explosion and burst
  • Needs to develop counters and not solely rely on brute strength

Fit with the Ravens:

Khalid Kareem’s frame will get many teams excited, but he’s definitely a work in progress. For Baltimore, it’s easy to fall for the athletic traits, but his fit in their defensive alignment would be a bit awkward. Kareem has the length to add on weight and has shown the ability to lineup inside the tackle, though, making him a guy they can flex around their defensive line. Still, there’s no denying that he has a lot of growing to do if he wants to be a difference-maker at the next level.

Next. Baltimore Ravens well positioned to get 1st round leftovers. dark

There isn’t a spot where Khalid Kareem would flourish with the Baltimore Ravens right now. Kareem’s lack of ability to stand up at a two-point stance limits him to defensive line duties, where he would need to bulk up. Kareem needs to develop counter moves to become effective at the next level, but Baltimore can teach him and stash him away on a talented defense.

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