Baltimore Ravens: Players to Watch During NFL Scouting Combine

Linebackers

On paper, it looks as though the Ravens have a deep linebacking corps that has everything you need. They have Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil to rush the passer. C.J. Mosley is one of the bright young stars at middle linebacker and Daryl Smith has been underrated for his entire career. Za’Darius Smith and Zach Orr have shown flashes of being solid NFL players.

The team still needs to prepare for the future. Mel Kiper has recently projected the Ravens to select Bosa at No. 6, a move that many would welcome. Suggs, Dumervil and Smith are all on the back end of their careers and retirement rumors have been hinted with both Suggs and Smith. Players seem to be retiring earlier in life than in years past so it would not be a shocker if all three hang it up within the next year or two. Here are some players to keep an eye on that could be future replacements to some of the Ravens’ best:

Kevin Dodd, Clemson 

Shaq Lawson is a name you will hear a lot about in the upcoming weeks leading up to the draft as one of the premier pass rushers, but Dodd was often overlooked on the opposite end of Clemson’s defensive line. He was nearly unstoppable in the National Championship, totaling three sacks and two more tackles for a loss. He finished second in the nation in tackles for loss, behind guess who? Lawson. Some credit his numbers due to playing on the opposite of Lawson, but a strong combine can help him shoot up draft boards.

Tyler Matakevich, Temple 

If Smith does intend to retire, Matakevich is a player that could fill his role. He has great instincts and is terrific in run support, but does leave a little to be desired in the passing game. Run-stuffing linebackers still have a place in the league and a third-round selection for an effective player would not be a stretch. If Matakevich runs better than expected at the combine, he could cement himself as a second-day prospect.

Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland 

We would love to see a Terrapin make the Ravens roster, and Ngakoue is a player that should be available on the second day and fill a need for Dean Pees. He decided to skip his senior season after finishing second in the FBS in sacks and has a wide array of moves to get to the passer. What remains to be seen is how well he can play in space and dropping into coverage. His explosiveness off the snap is what will attract NFL teams, and the Ravens need a player like that on their team.

Next: Secondary