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NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens Select Chris Wormley and Tim Williams in Third Round

By Ben Palmer

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) is hit by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley (43) just as he passes the ball in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) is hit by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley (43) just as he passes the ball in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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With their two picks in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens have selected defensive tackle Chris Wormley and linebacker Tim Williams.

The Ravens were fortunate enough to have two picks in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft. They acquired the extra pick (pick no. 74) through the trade that sent defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan to the Philadelphia Eagles.

With those two picks, the Ravens first selected defensive tackle Chris Wormley out of Michigan. The Ravens then selected Tim Williams, a linebacker out of Alabama.

The Ravens decided to go all defense in the third round, and they addressed some of their bigger needs with these picks. After picking up linebacker Tyus Bowser, they decided to go for a defensive end and another linebacker.

Wormley is a fine player. He fits well as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, which makes sense as to why the Ravens would select him. He’s a great off-the-field guy, a player with good character who’s smart, someone who fits the Raven way.

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Wormley improved in his 2016 season at Michigan, showing himself to be a good pass rusher with quickness and strength. Wormley is also flexible enough that he can play a defensive end in a different defensive scheme if needed.

As for Tim Williams, I’m personally a big fan of his from a skill perspective. Tim Williams is explosive, that’s honestly the best way to describe him. He’s fast, he’s powerful, and he can get after the quarterback in a flash and fits excellently in a 3-4 scheme.

But here’s the downside to Williams: his off-the-field issues. He was arrested in late September for carrying a pistol without a permit. He also has a history of substance abuse issues that has been compared to Randy Gregory, a talented defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys whose been suspended by the NFL multiple times.

Hopefully Williams can get his act together and make Ozzie Newsome look like a genius for drafting him in the third round. Williams has that level of talent, hopefully he can stay on the field and show the world just how good he is.

The Ravens draft overall is shaping up as all defense. I believe they would’ve liked to have drafted a wide receiver with their first round pick, but there was a weird run on the big-name receivers early on that ruined that.

I still believe they’ll grab a receiver in this draft, maybe it’ll be in the fourth round, maybe later, but I think it’ll happen. I am glad though that they’ve addressed some of their biggest needs with some talented players.

Next: Did the Ravens need Marlon Humphrey?

The only major need left, aside from receiver, that they have yet to address is the offensive line, but I believe that will also be coming later in the draft. Overall though, I think their third round picks were solid.

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