Ever since the Baltimore Ravens came into existence in 1996, they have prided themselves on defense. Defense, defense, defense. And even though the team finished fourth against the rush and second in sacks last season, it's likely that the team will go defense once again in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Kentucky's Bud Dupree is one of the more talented pass-rushers in the draft and just got a glowing review from Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta.
"Bigger guy, extremely athletic, tremendous combine workout," DeCosta said via CSNBaltimore.com. "Another guy, he can play in space, he's got size, he matches up very well in coverage versus tight ends, which is unusual to find an outside linebackers who has that."
The Ravens own the No. 26 pick in the draft, but Dupree may be off the board by then. Even if he is available, the Ravens have been linked to wide receivers in the first round such as Jaelen Strong.
"Odds still favor the Ravens taking a wide receiver or cornerback at No. 26. But the Ravens lost linebacker Pernell McPhee, who had 7.5 sacks last season, to the Bears in free agency," Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com wrote. "The Ravens' top two pass rushers are both over 30 years old - Terrell Suggs (32) and Elvis Dumervil (31).
"If Dupree is still on the board after the first 20 picks, it will be interesting to see if that changes the Ravens' thinking. Especially with the owner saying another pass rusher would be welcome."
ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Cincinnati Bengals to take Dupree with the 21st pick.
"I'm committed to adding a pass-rusher, and Dupree isn't exactly a steal at No. 21, but I figured it was only a 50-50 shot that he'd get to this point, so it's not a difficult call given how bad the pass rush was last season. He doesn't come in with an arsenal of moves, but he's an exceptional athlete and certainly adds upside where we're currently lacking it."
