Denny Medley-USA Today Sports
The Baltimore Ravens selected Outside Linebacker Arthur Brown with the 56th pick in the NFL Draft. It was great value with the pick and what many Raven fans have wanted the Ravens to select. Between Matt Elam and Brown, it has been a great value draft for the Ravens. Brown possess very good range at the inside linebacker position.
Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome stressed before the draft started that he wants to upgrade the middle of the defense. With the selection of Brown, it is trending in that direction. He has great work ethic, good character and intelligent in the film room. Brown can also play inside linebacker, which he will be projected to play for the Ravens this coming season. The Ravens preach versatility and it really doesn’t get any better than this.
The downside about Brown according to scouts is that he is under sized. How will he be able to take on blockers? Well, in his last two seasons in college, he recorded over 200 tackles. I wouldn’t put too much stock into how much he weighs. Ray Lewis once upon a time was considered too small to play inside linebacker. How did that work out? That’s not to say that Brown will be Lewis, but the results on the football field are things that matter the most.
Given the selections of Elam and Brown in the first and second rounds respectively, it is well-noted that the Ravens also plan on being faster than what they were a year ago with their release of Bernard Pollard earlier in the off-season for example.
