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Jan 19, 2024

Ravens 2023 Draft Film Review: EDGE Rushers

Guest Writer The thought of adding a pass rusher is one that crosses Ravens fans

Guest Writer

The thought of adding a pass rusher is one that crosses Ravens fans minds every draft cycle.

With David Ojabo returning healthy to start the year, he'll join a group that includes Odafe Oweh, Tyus Bowser, Daelin Hayes and Jeremiah Moon. Veteran Justin Houston, who led the team with 9.5 sacks last year, is a free agent who could return.

There's certainly room for more depth, and Director ofPlayer Personnel Joe Hortiz hinted at the different types of edge rushersthe Ravens could seek in this draft to complement their group.

"Pass rusher is another one, outside backer. [With] us playing the 'RUSH-SAM' aspect, I think there are just different variations of players, but there are guys who can play in space and do more of the dropping and then certainly the edge setters and the pass rushers," Hortiz said.

Who are some edge rushers that fit the type of pass rusher the Ravens could be looking for?

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Film Notes

As a pass rusher, added bonus that he can reduce inside on passing downs if you want 3 edge rushers on the field.Has the lateral quickness to toy with guards. Hits the guard with the stutter step, arm over to break the pocket and assist the sack. pic.twitter.com/Hy6TiiGZGB

Similar concept. Anderson Jr. wins leverage, stacks the OT and hits a snatch. Clean upfield burst adn is able to finish.Really like his ability to play responsible football on the edge, but have the hand power and explosiveness to read and still make a play on the QB. pic.twitter.com/vTbD8jg1YD

Against the run, Anderson Jr. has some insane lateral range. Savvy run defender too. Keeps himself clean and has the athleticism to chase down from the backside or drop anchor and dictate the flow on the playside. pic.twitter.com/nwxO40u3Zr

Ravens Fit

Anderson won't be available at pick No. 22, so he won't be a Raven unless there were a blockbuster trade. He projects as a true 3-4 OLB who would fitinto MikeMacdonald's scheme. His ability to slide inside and provide an interior pass rush is a bonus to a scheme that likes to have versatile pieces.

Player Comparison

T.J. Watt

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Film Notes

Tyree Wilson looks like he's at his best when he's able to get an OT on an island and work back inside. His length and quickness make it a really tough block.here he hits a hesi inside move. pic.twitter.com/aPX2mBHMvx

As an EDGE, Tyree Wilson has a ton of upside to develop a power rush game. Outstanding, length, burst and leg drive is going to result in a vicious long arm. Here's a look at his bull. pic.twitter.com/UEMzRGyjAh

For his size, Tyree Wilson has some insane upfield burst.Heat seeking missile. pic.twitter.com/gp7PKoNXkt

Ravens Fit

Similar to Anderson, it's tough to envision a situation where Tyree Wilson is within striking distance for the Ravens at No. 22. He has an outstanding toolbox to develop as an EDGE rusher and can also play the 5T or 4i to see matchups with guards.

Player Comparison

Preston Smith

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Film Notes

Really like the way Lukas Van Ness plays with leverage. Unlocks his hips, attacks the top of the chest plate and causes the back arc of Johnson Jr. to bend back.Leg drive to finish. Ball comes out quick, but he was right in Stroud's kitchen. pic.twitter.com/5pW0dPcHMR

Speed to power is the name of the game for Lukas Van Ness.He catches the LT turning too early and attacks the inside shoulder. Finishes with a rip under the inside armpit to get the QB hit as he's throwing. pic.twitter.com/BfslkcdRbK

Against the run, Van Ness is a hell of a 1-gap assignment.Iowa liked to use him inside and this is a good example of the foot quickness you need on the interior.He doesn't make the tackle, but the OG he's driving backwards trips up the Michigan RB. pic.twitter.com/FZ8qtiMyDz

Ravens Fit

Lukas Van Ness projects as a true stand up OLB that has a fiery play style and explosive twitch to his game. After the recent success of another Iowa first rounder, Tyler Linderbaum, it's easy to see the fit in adding Van Ness to the Ravens pass rush group. His power game and his ability to provide some value as an inside rusher would complement the current group very well.

Player Comparison

Trey Hendrickson

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Film Notes

Twitchy edge defenders that can use the double hand swipe and bend are always going to be exciting.Nolan Smith is one of them dudes. pic.twitter.com/Mt8ONqWv5D

Really liked Nolan Smith on line games at UGA.He has some nice upfield burst and he's so agile that he can attack rush lanes when OL are trying to process the stunt. pic.twitter.com/9M9l4fUrKF

Really liked Nolan Smith's lateral agility.Wanted to see him play more decisive, but like you can see here - when he's decisive he's darn good.A very sure tackler too. pic.twitter.com/27YuBYdXId

Ravens Fit

Smith fits in the category with others in the top of the edge class that are twitchy, albeit a little undersized. He's at his best when he's spread out in a wide alignment and free to attack the edge. He'll need to develop more of an interior pass rush plan to matchup with athletic OTs, but he has the juice to bring some real upside as a pass rusher.

Player Comparison

Shaka Toney

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Film Notes

Myles Murphy has that upfield twitch that you just can't teach.Menace at winning the edge and bending the arc. pic.twitter.com/ICuOAjFBZJ

Murphy pairs that upfield burst with a really nice ability to fight outside hands. Nice ability to knock down hands which creates lanes for him as he bends the arc and keeps OTs recovering. pic.twitter.com/ctRPIxRjUj

Ravens Fit

Murphy's explosive first step and play strength are reminiscent of what the Ravens envision with Oweh. While his first step explosiveness and his strength provide the traits to develop a good speed-to-power pass rush plan, it could be possible that there's redundancy in the skillset from what the Ravens currently possess in their OLB group.

Player Comparison

Nick Perry

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Film Notes

Inside arm rip is one of BJ Ojulari's go to's.Not many in the class can bend like he does! pic.twitter.com/jlS1Pv3WGZ

My favourite thing about watching BJ Ojulari was seeing him add this long arm in 2022. Didn't see it as often, but it was a really nice development and typically where you want to see the twitchy bendy edge player go.Nice to see he's already adding it! pic.twitter.com/wwQC1PSedp

Thought BJ Ojulari showed a nice array of pass rush moves in his toolbox.Here he catches the LT widening and hits him back inside with the swim, dips upfield and keeps speed to get to the QB. pic.twitter.com/Rp4O1zJrDE

Ravens Fit

Ojulari has a lot of upside as a pass rusher at the next level due to his burst, bend and wide array of pass rush moves. In a way, he has some similarities to Ojabo, but the fit makes a ton of sense. With both looking to make the leap to the next level, they would be complimentary edge rushers that could be unleashed on passing downs and compliment the rest of the Ravens edge group.

Player Comparison

Harold Landry

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Film Notes

Really impressive bend from Will McDonald. Uses the inside arm rip to get clear, but not many can dip and turn the corner like that.Good bend in his lower body to get home. pic.twitter.com/H9dhlhCrgA

Some really nice agility by McDonald here. Squares up with a jab step and then explodes back up field to catch the RT flat footed.Instead of over pursuing the arc, he gets his hand on the ball and strips it. pic.twitter.com/Rh4mtFHnud

Really like Will McDonald's awareness in the run game. He's physical enough, but he also has lateral quickness to squeeze hte LOS from the backside to take away cutback lanes and make plays on the ball. pic.twitter.com/oMmwaw7k7p

Ravens Fit

Similar to Ojulari, McDonald fits a lot of the criteria the Ravens have been looking for lately in their pass rushers. He has outstanding athleticism and is twitchy off the edge, paired with good length and good hand usage. He would add another ball of clay to newly hired Outside Linebacker Coach Chuck Smith's group to be developed.

Player Comparison

Dion Jordan