Ravens could tap Crimson Tide again
Newsome has had success drafting linebackers out of Alabama, his alma mater
INDIANAPOLIS — Ravens general manager fondness for Alabama players is well-documented. The Ravens have drafted seven Alabama players in franchise history, tied with Oklahoma for the most among any school, and they’ve had particular success finding quality Crimson Tide linebackers.
a fourth-round pick in 2003, was an unheralded yet effective contributor on some dominant defenses over his nine seasons with the Ravens.
a second-round pick in 2012, started 51 games in four years and caused a key turnover in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory. A first-round selection in 2014, has made the Pro Bowl twice in his three NFL seasons, and he’s widely regarded as the team’s best defensive player.
It wouldn’t be at all surprising if the Ravens select another Crimson Tide linebacker to fill a major need in April’s draft.
is regarded as the draft’s top inside linebacker and could be a replacement for Ravens’ retired weak-side linebacker and 2016 leading tackler
and of Alabama are intriguing options in a loaded edge-rushing class.
“At the end of the day, I’m a football player,” said Anderson, who had 128 tackles, 19 sacks and six forced fumbles in four seasons at Alabama. “I’m not into this stuff, this gym-short Olympics. I’m not that kind of guy. I’m not going to be the most impressive guy, you know what I mean? I’m going to go out there and compete. I ain’t no bologna sandwich at the same time now. I ain’t no slouch.”
Anderson is expected to be a second-day pick. Meanwhile, Williams, who had 181⁄2 sacks over the past two seasons at Alabama, is considered one of the draft’s best pass rushers, but there are off-field concerns. Williams acknowledged Saturday that he has failed drug tests.
“Made decisions that I grew from,” Williams said. “It’s all about being a man, owning up to your situations, owning up to your mistakes. Everybody makes some.”
Already facing some injury questions, Foster was sent home from the combine Saturday after he reportedly had a heated exchange with a hospital worker. A tackling machine who is widely expected to be gone within the first 10 picks, Foster was already facing uncertainty because of a surgically repaired shoulder, and now he’ll have more questions to answer with this latest incident.
Anderson, who was with his Alabama teammate at the time, said the incident was blown out of proportion. Ross has the record: University of Washington wide receiver said Friday that he planned on running his 40-yard dash in under 4.3 seconds. And he did just that Saturday, setting a combine record.
Ross, one of the top receivers in the draft and a potential first-round pick, clocked in at 4.22 seconds. That eclipsed running back
record of 4.24, set at the 2008 combine. Ross achieved the record mark on his first try and did not attempt a second 40. He told ESPN he cramped up.
Adidas pledged to buy the player who broke Johnson’s record an island, assuming that player was wearing its brand of shoes. Ross, though, was wearing Nikes. Another Boldin? The Ravens won’t discriminate in their efforts to add to a thin wide receiver group. But with a roster that includes three deep threats in
and their most obvious void at the position is a physical possession receiver who can thrive in the intermediate areas. Southern California’s
fits that profile. The ex-Trojans standout, who measured in at 6 feet 2 and 220 pounds and is the youngest player at the combine at 20 years old, has drawn comparisons to former Ravens wide receiver because of his physicality, his ability to make contested receptions and his hard running after the catch.
“His speed, at the same time the way he plays, the way he approaches the game, basically the overall how he plays his game and how tough he is, I kind of see myself the same way,” Smith-Schuster said Friday. “Just a very competitive person at what he does. He goes up for the ball, attacks it at its high point, and he’s just a baller out there.”
In 40 games with USC spanning three seasons, Smith-Schuster caught 213 balls for 3,092 yards and 25 touchdowns. He entered USC with designs on playing safety, but it didn’t take long for him to emerge as a top target.
There are questions about his speed and his ability to separate against NFL cornerbacks, but he would check a lot of boxes for the Ravens. He also has extensive special teams and kick-return experience.
Most draft pundits believe Smith-Schuster will be selected on the second day of the draft.
“When teams ask me what I’m best at, obviously I say football IQ,” Smith-Schuster said. “I played 39 games, started 38 games. I’m tough. I played through a broken hand and didn’t miss a game. Played through a torn thumb, didn’t miss a game. And just very competitive, willing to work, willing to put my body out there on a line.” End zone: Defensive backs will work out today, the final day of the scouting combine. Cornerback-kick returner the lone University of Maryland player invited to the combine, is part of the group, though he’s unlikely to participate in all the on-field tests after tearing the ACL in his right knee Oct. 15. … Ravens assistant led some wide receiver drills Saturday. …