April 10, 2025 • 35 mins
The Athletic's Dane Brugler joins The Lounge after the release of 'The Beast' to take an in-depth look at some of bis favorite fits for the Ravens and the top prospects at Baltimore's positions of need, including safety, outside linebacker, cornerback, defensive tackle, and more.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome into the Lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan Mink
here with Garrett Downing, and we are thrilled to be
speaking to the Athletics draft guru. Dane Brugler, who authors
The Beast is there. I feel like there has to
be like a common way of saying that, Dane, how
do you prefer the Beast? Does it have some kind
of emphasis like that?
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Well, you know, it's funny, I don't even remember where
that name came from. You know, like I've been doing
this draft guy for a while and along the way,
somebody started calling it that, and it just started to
catch on. And initially I pushed back a little bit
because it kind of sounds self serving and like that's
like I don't know, But over time I learned to
embrace it, and it's like, all right, if we're gonna
(00:47):
call it this, it's it's just more extra motivation to
make sure that it lives up to a name like that.
And so you know, every year, you know, we try
to make it bigger and better, and you know, it's
it's getting to do that, because you know, we set
the bar so high, but I think we did it.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
We came close this year hopefully.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
So for all our listeners, make sure you go to
the Athletic to read this and uh, it's five hundred
and twenty three pages long, which is I don't even
I don't think I've ever read a book that long
day So but but honestly eagerly await it's dropped every
single draft, and as soon as the Ravens make a pick,
(01:29):
the first thing that I do is go to the
Beast to get some background information on that player and
just your scouting report as well as I think my
favorite part is just you know, you tell what they
eat for breakfast and what their what their father likes
for breakfast, you know, and like it's it's incredible the
depth that you go to and get it with these prospects.
(01:51):
So I do want to ask when does the process
start of you compiling this mountain of information on these guys?
Like how long does this take?
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Well, it never stops, so I don't know that there
is a starting point. It's just it literally is a
year round project. And like for example, right now, like
I'm I've already have a lot of notes for twenty
twenty six prospects and really not on purpose, but you know,
when you're talking to a player or a coach or
a scout, inevitably names pop up or notes pop up
(02:22):
for player, Oh, make sure you watch this player for
next year, and this and that. Like so it's all
I'm always trying to scout, whether it's for this class
or the next one. And then I try to take
a deep breath in May, and then usually around a
moral day is when I'm diving right back into the tape.
And the summer is such a big part of my
process because it gives me a base, like to understand
who these players are. And then that way we go
(02:44):
into the season with some sort of expectations to understand, Okay,
is this player getting better, is he regressing? What's what's
going on with him as a prospect, And then after
Christmas that it's like kind of that that final three
months January favorite March where we have the All Star
Games and the Combine and the private workouts and the
pro days, and that's where we get a lot of
(03:06):
the information as well. It's kind of the most of
the haze and the barn at that point, but those
are the where we get the finishing touches, get the
testing information and yeah, I think you know it. Don't
read the guide because every single player is going to
be ranked exactly right, Like, that's not that's not why
I want you to use the guide. I feel good
about my batting average, but I think it's more towards
(03:28):
what you were saying, like the background information, you know,
all the testing information and all the testing information, and
it's NFL verified. I'm getting it straight from NFL teams,
So it's you know, you're getting the right info, especially
with the pro days where you know there's a lot
of different times being thrown about there and on social
media and stuff. Well, I'm getting times straight from NFL teams,
(03:51):
and so you know what type of information you're getting
in the beast, it's it's the background information straight from players,
you know, straight from their face, family, straight from coaches,
and then all the testing information and of course, like
you said, the analysis the strengths, the weaknesses to try
to paint a picture of who each one of these
players are.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
That's great. Well, I mean you can definitely see that
the depth of the work that you put into it
every single year, and we both enjoy it. I'm curious
just as you look at the Ravens. Just to kind
of set the table for the Ravens.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
How does this.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
Draft present an opportunity for the Ravens to get somebody
or a couple of guys that can get this team
to that next level. How does this draft fit with
that potential for Baltimore.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Well, I think you could make the argument that, you know,
some of the Baltimore's the biggest needs going into the
draft will be on the defensive line, kind of that
front seven, whether you want to go edge rusher, add
more beef in the middle, just different ways you can
enhance that position, not just for twenty twenty five, but
as you put it, you know what's the twenty twenty
(04:52):
six roster look like in twenty twenty seven, and so
as you're forecasting forward, this is a really strong defensive
line group. We're going to see a lot of defensive tackles,
a lot of edge rushers drafted in the top one
hundred picks. And I think, you know, it wouldn't be
surprising if with those first three picks that Baltimore has
they go to the defensive line twice.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
I don't think that would be a surprise at all.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
And but we know they have a lot of picks
on Day three as well, And I think this is
a draft with pretty good depth.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Maybe not at every position, but at most positions.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
It does stretch a little bit, so you feel good
about the players you can get in the fourth round.
And like I said, it's different position by position. Running
back is going to be deeper than you know, say,
offensive tackle. But I think it's it's an opportunity to
really fill out your roster with guys that are gonna
(05:45):
be contributors, Guys that you you know, maybe not expect
to be star players, but you want to come in
compete and help fill out the roster. So this is
a this would be a good opportunity for the Ravens
to do that.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Its the defensive line. Just to to continue the conversation there,
Like you talk about that defensive front and the Ravens
have starters long defense line. They want to add depth
and as we all saw in the Super Bowl, the
value of having a great defensive front, Like who were
the guys I guess at the edge position in the
first round that you think could make sense for the
Ravens if they were to go in that direction in
(06:20):
the first round.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Yeah, I mean I think it's obviously tough when you're
picking so late in the draft, in the first round,
just not knowing how those first twenty six picks are
going to play out. But if you know you're sitting
there at twenty seven and the Ravens, to me, just
from you know, my perspective, they seem to be a
team where they're gonna good players fall to them more
(06:44):
times than not, and it's usually because they're not afraid
to think outside the box a little bit, whether that's
a Kyle Hamilton or a Linderbom or you know, like
we can go back a lot of different examples of
where they're drafting a player that maybe a team in
the top twenty five was a little bit scared off
about because maybe he doesn't fit or check every box.
(07:04):
But the Ravens they say, okay, well this guy does
this really well, so will more than willing to take
a chance.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
And like a guy like that.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Donovaneza Roku from Boston College ed rusher six two and
a half two hundred and fifty pounds. He has you
you want production, he has that. What he did at
Boston College, he was one of the best sack defensive
ends in college football last year. Maybe doesn't have that
elite bend. Maybe isn't doesn't have the elite size that
(07:30):
you're looking for, but he has length and he can
get after the quarterback. He can affect with the pocket
what is happening in the pocket. So to me, that's
the type of guy you want to bet on. And
if he's there at twenty seven, I think that makes
a ton of sense. You know, Landon Jackson from Arkansas big,
he's a little bit stiff, but those guys that are big,
(07:52):
long and have a motor, those guys just last in
the league. And so I think he's another one where
you can play him with his hand on the ground,
stand them up a little bit. You can, you can
be a little creative with how you use Elaine and Jackson.
But yeah, this is just a loaded defensive line group
every single you know, first round, second round, the third round.
I think there's somebody that you can point to and say, yeah,
that makes sense for what we want to be.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
You know, for the Ravens in the front seven, do
you do.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
You like Ezeraku or mikel Williams more for the Ravens
If if they're both on the board, let's say, who
do you think fits the Ravens better.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
That's a that's a good cause.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
I actually have them back to back in my top
one hundred, twenty one and twenty two overall, and so
I think it really would come down to what style
of player you want if you want the because Michel Williams,
he's sixty five, two hundred and sixty seven pounds, kind
of reminds me a little bit of Jason Pierre Paul
where it's there's a little bit of upside, or you're
(08:49):
betting on the upside more so than the production at
that point. And so for Mikel Williams, it takes a
little bit more of a leap of faith. But you know,
we said the Ravens are not afraid to go that route.
I mean, you think about a Dafe when they drafted
him in the first round not having any sacks, you know,
in college, when he's coming out of Penn State. You know,
(09:10):
a guy like Mickel Williams, you know, you like the traits,
you like the talent, but you wish he had more
than twenty one tackles last year, but he was still
an All SEC player, played through an ankle injury and
so that's part of the context of why the production
wasn't better.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
But he looks the part. The length is crazy.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
He can get after the quarterback with that just pure
power ability to be a bull rusher, but he can
also hold up versus the run. And he's one of
the youngest players in the draft at just twenty years old.
He won't turn twenty one until we get to July,
I believe. So you know, he is a player that
I think you can look at the upside and say, yeah,
let's bet on that. Then with Aziraku, he has the
(09:51):
production where he had sixteen and a half sacks last year,
twenty and a half tackles for a loss consensus all American.
Maybe doesn't have the size and doesn't check out all
of those boxes. But if you want a guy that
has length, that is a proven guy that can get
to the quarterback, can win the corner, has different jab steps,
different cross chops, he has different ways he can win,
(10:13):
then I think that's the direction you're going for. So
I think it really just do you want the production,
do you want the upside? I think if you're the Ravens,
I would lean towards the upside. Just because they've shown
that they are more than willing to bet on that
at that point in the first round. But I think
you can make a case for either guy.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
So in the second round, the Ravens pick at number
fifty nine, And it's funny you have back to back
again in your top one hundred two edge rushers right there,
Jack Sawyer at fifty eight, Nick s Gorton at fifty nine.
Gorton seems to me, I mean both those guys kind
of scream Ravens to be honest. Jack's physical, big powerful dudes,
(10:51):
and both you know, pretty strong productions. Gorton going back here.
But you know how between those two guys, Like, if
you're looking at second round edge rushers, let's say the
Ravens ghost safety in the first round or defensive tackle,
and they're looking for that edge in the second, Like,
who do you like is a fit there?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Yeah, Scrton certainly makes sense if he if he's able
to fall that far, you know, because I'm a little
bit lower on scorting than others, but he's still a
He's probably gonna be somewhere in that second round, whether
it's in the forties or fifties. I think he'd be
a terrific pick. He's the motor is great. I mean
he is physical, He's always hunting for the football. He
(11:27):
will chase it down. You know, he's still kind of
putting together what it looks like to like his pass
rush arsenal and what it takes to break down the
rhythm of blockers. And it's it's gonna get tougher in
the NFL when he's facing better competition. But you another
one who's one of the youngest players in the draft
still twenty years old, doesn't turn twenty one until August,
(11:48):
so you feel good about the upside with Scorton. And
then yeah, Jack Sawyer. I think he's what he did
down the stretch for Ohio State to help lead them
the national title, what he did against Texas, and you
know the way he impacted the game in different ways.
He's knocking down balls, he's finding those passing lanes. He's
able to put pressure on the quarterback. Famio Ladejo from
(12:09):
UCLA another interesting name because he was a linebacker the
way they used him and then they moved into edge
ruddersher and you know, just straight out of Central casting
with the size. You know, if you want a guy
that looks the part Famiola Dejo six three, two hundred
and sixty pounds, and the flashes he put on film
during the season and then at the Senior Bowl were terrific.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
Teams.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
He's been a guy that's been on a lot of
thirty visits, teams trying to figure him out completely because
he just there's so much talent there they just want
to know more so. And then one other guy throw
out there ashion Jalotti from Louisville. I think, to me,
he screams raven just because of the way that he
consistently affects the pocket. And another guy didn't have a
(12:54):
lot of sacks, four and a half sacks this year,
but you're watching his tape and you're like, all right, well,
he's in the backfield. He's in the backfield. He's getting
there again. And whether it's just you know, the quarterback
able to evade him, or you know, maybe he misses
the tackle, whatever it may be. He can rush down
the middle and create movement at the point of attack.
He can win high side with the way he fires
(13:17):
off the ball that burst. He's very heavy handed. I
just think he's a kind of a worker bee. Maybe
not going to be the flashiest defensive end, but he's
going to be productive and he's going to be a
guy that I think the Ravens really like.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
On day two, Well, the Ravens have a little bit
of history with Louisville. They've got a good player out
of Louisville before, so you know it's true.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Yeah, it's worked for them before, and why not go
back to that.
Speaker 4 (13:42):
Well, so I want to ask you about cornerback and
if we were having this conversation a year ago. Of course,
the Ravens took Nate Wigans in the first round last year,
and we probably wouldn't even have mentioned Nate at that time.
Didn't think that he was going to be there for
the Ravens and just kind of an oversight and looking
at that position and the way the way that the
Ravens like the drafts. So not making the same mistake twice. Basically,
(14:02):
I think there's a chance that Raves could go first
round corner again this year potentially. I'm curious if you
see that being a potential. Even though the Ravens did
bring into chiatoh Woozie in free agency and of course,
as I mentioned, drafted wings last year. Still have Marlon Humphrey,
could you see them going first round corner? And who
could be some of the options in that mix.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
I think if the right value is there, it's certainly
a position that's going to be part of the conversation.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
You know.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
I think you go onto the first round looking at
all your options because again, you don't know how those
first twenty six picks that are going to play out,
especially in this draft. This is a draft that is
there's a lot of wild cards, and so if Jedai
Barn were to fall to you at that point, I
think you take a long look at that, and it
might depend on how you view Barn. Some teams see
(14:48):
him as strictly a nickel corner. Other teams see versatility
where he could play inside and outside like he did
at Texas. Opinions are all over the place on him.
But one player that I think has been a little
bit of a riser through the process. And I think
that term riser gets overused, but it certainly applies for
some teams and for Trey amos at ole miss I
(15:11):
think it fits because at this time last year he
was a late round pick up, best backup at Alabama.
Transfers to Ole Miss for twenty twenty four and he's
an All SEC player. Sixteen passes defended, three interceptions, played
really well for certain stretches, and then he goes to
(15:31):
the combine and runs a four to four to three
and it's like, okay, six to one, one hundred ninety
five pounds. We thought he was average speed, but combine
tells us otherwise, tested really well. And then talking to
a scout who was at his pro day said he
absolutely crushed it. Said it was the best cornerback pro
day he had seen this cycle. And so for Trey Amos,
(15:52):
it's just kind of checking every box. The season went
well in the SEC. You talk about the All Star season,
talk about the combine, the pro day, it's just like,
all right, check box, box, checkbox. And next thing with
chany Amos, it's like, all right, well, why shouldn't he
be a top thirty pick?
Speaker 3 (16:05):
And so I think he's one of.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Those guys who could be a surprise first rounder on
Thursday Night, and you know, potentially to the Ravens, I
think that's that's a guy they might be interested in.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
Well, I'm curious your take on Maxwell Harrison. He may
also seems like he could be a potential riser cornerback
out of Kentucky. He seems to fit a similar profile
to night Wigans, Like he's got blazing speed, he's he's
long and lean. What's your take on Harrison and could
he be a good fit? Is he too similar to Wiggins?
Speaker 1 (16:32):
Like that?
Speaker 4 (16:32):
That do you They kind of profile wise seem to
match up with each other. What's your take on Harston?
Speaker 3 (16:38):
Yeah? I think that's that's.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Kind of a good point about Okay, is he very
too same ish to to Wiggins? Because Wiggans one of
the reasons he fell was just that lean frame and
could he hold up physically? And teams worried about, Okay,
you know, one hundred and seventy eight pounds, could he
play at a high level of the NFL at that size?
Harriston he was a hundred and eighty three at the combine,
(17:02):
also ran a four two eight, So the speed is
big time, It's fantastic. And he also at the Pro
Day had thirty nine and a half inchvert ten to
nine broad So he's explosive, there's no doubt about it.
Just the size isn't great. He was hurt for most
of this year. He had a shoulder issue, and you know,
I think the tackling needs to get better. It's something
that was not a strong part of his game when
(17:24):
you watch him on film. But when you have cover
skills and you have speed, teams are going to be
more than happy to kind of take the chance and
see you see what you got. So yeah, I think
late first, early second, that's kind of the range for
Maxwell Harriston. But you know, this is a decent corner class.
I think, you know, whether he like I mentioned Jedai Baron,
(17:45):
some teams really like Noel Williams from cal Chavon Revel
from East Carolina is one of my favorite stories in
the draft and that's my favorite part of doing the
Draft Guide is learning all the stories of these guys
and Chevon Revel, just going back to and talking to him,
talking his talking to coaches at ECU. You know, he
was a lot of injuries in high school, didn't have
(18:06):
the grades, so we had to go to Juco route
and that was when COVID hit in twenty twenty. So
he finds himself he's working at Amazon in an overnight
fulfillment center and just trying to make ends meet, but
not giving up on his dream. He worked a shift
six pm to four am, and a couple hours later
he was in the car going to ECU for a
(18:27):
tryout and his dad actually sent me the video of
you know, his dad was in the stands videoing him
running a forty yard dash and the coach racing chasing
him down to show him the stopwatch and say all right,
we've got something here. And so Chavon Ravel was able
to turn that into a really outstanding twenty twenty three season,
(18:47):
and Alabama, LSU, Ohio, State, you name it. Schools are
coming after him in the current era of NIL and
transfer portal. He stayed loyal to ECU and stayed at
for the twenty twenty fourth season, and then in September
he had an ACL tear and it's like, oh man,
this this guy is just adversity after adversity, but you know,
(19:08):
he just keeps coming. And so the mental toughness that
he's built up over the years is really fantastic, and
he's going to be a guy that maybe not go
first round anymore like we thought because of that injury,
but a team's going to get a really good player
on day two.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
Yeah, I think if if he's there at fifty nine
in the second round and the Ravens haven't drafted a
corner already. Chevon Revel makes a whole lot of sense.
It's got like it's almost got. David A. Jabo vibes
to me. Injury happened at a different time, but very
talented player who slides because of an injury. Also good
story on both of them, and a great story on
both of me. By the way, our listeners should check
(19:44):
out Dane's feature story on Schevon Revel that they wrote it.
It's really an excellent right up.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
Yeah, so you see like that.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
That's what happens when I do all the all the
nuggets for the draft guide. There are sometimes where it's like, oh, shoot,
this is too good that just hold it for the
draft Guide. I need to make I need to blow
this up and to make it a bigger story. And
Chevon Ravel is definitely one of those cases.
Speaker 1 (20:03):
Yeah, for sure. Well, I want to talk Dane about
the safety class and I'll just put it out there.
I've been a big Malachi Starks guy from the beginning
of the pre draft process, and I've planned my flag
and this is why Garrett's talking to you. About cornerback,
because like I, once you plant your flag, the other
guy can't take him in his mock draft, right, that
just be that'd be foul play, all right, So I
(20:24):
plan it on Malachi. So he's trying to talk himself
into a first round corner and all that stuff. Right,
But I noticed saying that you have Nick Immamory slightly
above two spots ahead of Malachi Starks on your top
one hundred. Yet Malachi at nineteen, nick Immory at seventeen.
Why do you like Nick hare better? And who do
(20:46):
you think between the two of them fits the Ravens better? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (20:50):
With them and Worry.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
It's just you don't find guys that are six three,
two hundred and twenty pounds and run in the four
threes and have a forty three in verd and eleven
to six broad And it also show up on the tape.
And then just talking to his teammates, they say how
how tough he was to go up against and practice
because how smart he is. Just he understands what the
(21:14):
offense is doing and he gets a beat on it,
and he goes and mix plays. So I just think
the total package is there with em and Warr plus
you feel like they're still upside there for him to
get better and better. But yeah, I mean Malachi Starks,
he's right there. I mean Malachi Stars is one of
I'm with you, one of my favorite players in the draft.
He's the size might doesn't look great, six' one one ninety,
(21:34):
seven it's it's. Average the speed four or five, Zero,
okay that's. Average you, know like even if three cone
wasn't amazing or like the testing won't blow you. Away
but you watch his film and you see him play
across the, secondary play as a post, safety play as
a nickel. Corner you, know they they let him up
in the box and they'd use him all over the.
(21:55):
Field and so that versatility that he brings to play
across the secondary and how smart he is with, coverage different.
Responsibilities the ball skills are, tremendous go up and get the.
Football you, know he's one of those guys like if
he falls to The ravens at twenty, seven it's one
of those like come, on like what's going on? Here
like that that's that's the type of thing that usually
(22:17):
happens with the with The, ravens you, know like a
like A linderbaum Or Kyle. Hamilton so if that were to, happen,
YEAH i. DON'T i don't think if he's on the
board at twenty, SEVEN i don't think he should be
on the board at twenty.
Speaker 1 (22:28):
Eight that's So, Raven, yes.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
Exactly, Hey i'm A i'm. Curious this is a little
bit more kind of in the.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Weeds The.
Speaker 4 (22:38):
Ravens they have all three of their tight ends this
year going into the last year of the, Contract Mark,
Andhrews Isaiah, Likely Charlie, kohler all those. Guys it was
their third and fourth round. Picks so The ravens have
this great knack really if you go back to their
history of finding some tight, ends you, know in those
in those middle. Rounds AND i don't know if they're
going to go back to that route again this, year
just knowing those guys are all going into the final
years of their. Contracts but are they mid rounds tight
(23:01):
ends that you could see making sense and.
Speaker 2 (23:03):
That you, Like, yeah, Sure and especially with The ravens
having so many picks On day, THREE i DON'T i
don't think that'd be a surprise if they spent one
of them on a tight, end you, Know Mitchell evans
From Notre dame had AN acl tear last year and
so this year we saw a little bit of, rust
but he got better and better throughout the. Season he
was a big part of Why Notre dame was able
to make The National championship. Game you feel like he
(23:24):
has yet to play his best. Football six y, five
two hundred and fifty three, pounds decent, athlete catches the ball,
well really tough. Player we Know alabama or we know
The ravens Like alabama players and you, know no matter
who's making the.
Speaker 3 (23:39):
Picks BUT.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
Cj DePree From alabama is a guy that you, know
the stats don't look, amazing like he wasn't a heavily
targeted player in that, offense but when he was, targeted
good things. Happened and you, know he's another one that
has he passes the size. Test he's six, five two
hundred fifty six. Pounds he ran in the four to
six is also had one of the best bench press
(24:02):
numbers thirty two.
Speaker 3 (24:03):
REPS i mean he is a guy.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
That lives in the weight room and you know he's
another one WHO i don't think we've seen play his best.
Football so, yeah this is a really good tight end.
Group we have the guys at the top With Tyler
warren And Colson, LOVELAND i Love Mason taylor FROM, lsu
and then even on day two With Elijah royo And
Terrence ferguson and those. Guys but, yeah on day three
there will be more than a few options that make.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Sense defensive Line Dane Derek harmon Versus Walter, nolan you
know who fits what The ravens like to. Do and
Then Kenneth. Grant you know you have twenty fifth. Overall
is he despite not having the kind of pass rush
prowess MAYBE i should, say you, know he's more of
a big bodied run stopper kind of. Guy do you
(24:48):
think he's worth the? Pick is he's so dominant as
a run stopper and can develop as a pass rusher
that he would be worthy of the twenty seventh.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Pick, yeah there's a little more of a leap of
faith with with a guy Like Kenneth, grant because he
has that size where he can be a stout run,
stuffer but he also has quickness where he can get
upfield as. Well so a little bit of an interchangeable defensive.
Lineman i'm a Big Derek carmon. GUY i think he's
one of the best players in this, draft a full,
stop and if he's able to be there at that
(25:17):
late first, round that that be a steal in my.
Opinion you, know he's what you love about him as the.
Versatility you want to line him up at the one,
technique he can do. That you want to line him
up as a three over THE b, gap you can do.
That you line him up as more of a, five no.
Problem he has the, size he has the ability very.
(25:37):
Disruptive no other interior defensive lineman had more pressures this
year Than Derek, carmon so he could get after the
quarterback now wanted to turn some of those, pressures more
of those pressures into.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Sacks needs to get better.
Speaker 2 (25:51):
There but the way that he can really affect what
the backfield is doing is is tremendous shows up versus the.
Run he really opened up things for that entire front
seven of That oregon. Defense so if If Derek, CARMON
i don't think he should get, passed you, know, say
even like The bengals at, seventeen let's just keep it
(26:12):
THE Afc, NORTH i don't think he should get pass
The bengals at. Seventeen but if he get if he's
there at twenty one for The, steelers that makes a
ton of sense for them as. Well so if somehow
he were there at twenty seven For, BALTIMORE i think
that's an easy decision for.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
THEM i, say keep him out of THE Afc north
unless it's in. Purple you.
Speaker 4 (26:31):
Know the last one THAT i have for, You dane
is we're talking about all these guys who could, slide
AND i think that's why that The ravens generally like to.
Operate they find somebody who slides down the board for
one reason or. Another like maybe it's maybe it's one
of the, safeties because we've seen that already with the
safety value in the. Position maybe It's Derek, harmon even
though you're maybe throwing a little cold water on that
with some of the other teams in this division potentially
(26:53):
being interested in, Him, like is there a player that
you feel like there's the highest likelihood that he gets
to twenty seven even though he has no busy this being,
there it would just be too good of a player
for The raves to pass.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Up, well what about a position we haven't talked about?
Yet And Josh, simmons a left tackle From Ohio state
who was putting himself in the conversation to BE ot
one in this class before his knee injury In. October
so just the medicals are obviously a big part of.
This the interviews are a big part of. It just
make sure the character is. Great But Josh, simmons in
(27:25):
terms of the, talent he has the ability to be
a starting left tackle in the league for a long,
time and so he has a little bit of a
discount sticker on him because of those. Things but if
he were to be there at twenty, SEVEN i think
he makes you, think it really makes you, Consider, okay
is he worth it at this, point even though you
(27:46):
know maybe with the way that you know what we
did this, offseason tackle is not a huge need for,
us but we know offensive line is something that we
should always be investing, in and so that would be
an interesting one for. Me Walter nolan's another one we
we just mentioned who is really. Talented just have to
be convinced that he's you're going to get the most
out of that talent consistently down, in down. Out SO
(28:09):
i think talent, wise he has no business being there
at twenty. Seven but you, know you have to be
convinced that you know what you're getting with, him and
so maybe The ravens feel better About Walter nolan than
some other.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Teams you, know who.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Knows that's why you, know we have all these interviews
and thirty visits and things like. That so, YEAH i
think You're you're absolutely. Right that's how The Baltimore ravens will,
operate and that's how they end up with good players
consistently as they trust their scouting and even though some
other teams might, pass they feel strongly about the way
their process. Works AND i wouldn't be surprised that that
happens again in this year's first.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
Round one other polarizing player THAT i just want to
point Out Shamar stewart Of TEXAS a AND. M you,
know you have ninth on your top one. Hundred obviously
the production questions. There do you think the combine, performance
the athleticism that there's just no way he could make
it to twenty seven even despite the, sticker you, know
because of the.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
Production, yeah it's tough because you wanted to have, sacks
but he led the team in pressures and you have
to see how he was used in the context of
what he was asked to do in that, defense and
so that changes the math a little. Bit and so
that's why he's been a popular guyer in thirty visits and,
interviews trying to figure him.
Speaker 3 (29:17):
Out another really young player who you know, What i'm.
Speaker 2 (29:20):
Willing to bet on the pashwasher, Upside not every team
sees it that, way and so there's definitely a lot
of split opinion On Schimur. Stewart he could go top,
fifteen he could be on the board when The ravens,
pick AND i don't Think i'd be really surprised at either.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
Outcome, well thank you so, Much. Dean, hey we really appreciate.
Speaker 3 (29:35):
It, Now, hey pleasure is on. MINE i really enjoyed.
Speaker 1 (29:38):
It you.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Know it's The ravens get better every year on the draft,
weekend And i'm sure it's going to be the same this.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
Year oh so thanks for taking the, Time.
Speaker 3 (29:45):
Dan thanks, guys.
Speaker 4 (29:46):
You're listening to the last podcast where you're coming to
you from The Sea geek. Studio we want to mention
our partners With draftking Sports. Book they are an official
sports betting partner of The Baltimore Ravens draftking. Sportsbook The
crown is yours big thanks To Dane.
Speaker 1 (29:58):
Man he has so.
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Much information on every single one of these. GUYS i
think that his, like just the knowledge that he has
for the draft is really second to. None so good
to talk to. Him and after that, conversation we've Been
we've been having a lot of these, conversations, uh with
with draft. Experts we're gonna have another one little tea
is coming up On monday with Mel. Kiper recently talked
(30:20):
with him and that's going to Drop monday. Morning so
we've been working the draft experts. Circuit how does this
make you feel about the direction that The ravens could?
Speaker 1 (30:30):
Go, OH i think it doubling down on My Malachi starks.
Efforts uh, YEAH i think that we're on the right
path and and other people see it the same. WAY
i think what's going to be really interesting to me
is That Edge rusher, group you, know the Mikel, williams
The Donovan, Ezraku, yeah you. Know, uh and so that
(30:52):
group and Does Shamar stewart get to twenty seven those three?
PLAYERS i think that could. BE i always feel like
every year as we get closer to The ravens draft
and we're, like all, Right ravens are five, away here's
seven players they still might really. Like, yeah like you
could see multiple of. THOSE i just think it's gonna
(31:14):
be one of those drafts where it's, like man As,
rock you's still on the. Board so and so is
still on the. Board you, Know James pierce is still
on the. Board the safeties are still on the, board
and like it's kind of who do you like better
pick your.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
Flavor, YEAH i think that IF i guess you're watching
the draft On thursday, night you there's always a handful
of those guys that you like want to just just keep.
Way quarterbacks go in, front you, know players possession and
dart let's come on.
Speaker 1 (31:40):
Down the running.
Speaker 4 (31:41):
Backs the running backs go because you know they. Go
there's multiple first round running, Backs like all that stuff,
happens and then you have these players that end up
getting pushed the safeties and then also LIKE i think
of clumps of positions and sometimes you can see a
run that happens and it's, like if you're five picks
away and both safeties are still on the, BOARD i
feel good about being able to get one of them
(32:02):
and if one of them, goes If Nicki minori goes at,
fifteen they say the.
Speaker 3 (32:07):
Stars is going to make it to.
Speaker 1 (32:08):
Twenty sit right, Exactly.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
So all of that is part of. IT i really
do think, That LIKE i think that The, ravens as
they look at, it they're not going to be too
pressed on. POSITION i think both of us are leaning.
DEFENSE i would be if we sit here right, Now
i'd be surprised if they went offense in the first,
round even offensive, line LIKE i would be. Surprised he
Mentioned simmons From Ohio state just would surprise me given
(32:32):
the fact that they Resigned Ronnie, stanley so that would surprise.
ME i think it's going to be. Defense but like
whether That's Derek harmon or Maybe Walter nolan or one
of the safeties Or JOHN.
Speaker 3 (32:44):
D barron at.
Speaker 4 (32:44):
CORNER i don't think, that like there's really a wrong answer.
Speaker 1 (32:48):
There, YEAH i. AGREE i think The ravens are going
to have a lot of good. Options do they trade,
back trade, out trade out the first? ROUND i don't think.
Speaker 4 (32:56):
So, NO i don't think that will.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
Happen, okay all, right they have eleven, picks so it's
not like they need a lot.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
More, YEAH i don't really think that's going to be the.
Case the only scenario WHERE i think that that potentially
could end up happening is if there was somebody looking
to move back in and get a quarterback and they
could and they felt like they could get a ton
of value of from a team coming up from the second.
Round if as a quarterback sliding who someone wants to
come up and.
Speaker 1 (33:20):
Get right, right AND i think that there's more of a.
Chance you, know we get a lot of questions about
could The ravens trade, up could they trade, back and
all this. Stuff you, know all the, analysts Including danes
seem to say there's not a huge gap in talent
level between the eleventh player and the forty fifth, player you,
(33:42):
know and, so but there's at some point there's kind
of that shelf there in the second mid second. Round
could The ravens move up in the second a little?
Bit if let's, say want To Nick gorton is kind
of sliding down there and they didn't address pass rusher
in the first, round could they move up in the?
SECOND i could see, That, yeah.
Speaker 4 (34:02):
Potentially, yeah of, course moving up in the second comes
at a much steeper discount and moving up in the
first or obvious. Reasons so you could do that considering
you have eleven picks and not give up too. MUCH
i think that that possibility. Exists so and the other
THING i would say that like where The ravens could
move up in the first round is if it's the
inverse of what we just talked. About you're looking at
(34:24):
it and it's, like, hey both safeties are, gone cornerbacks
getting kind of plucked. Clean there's like one, guy you,
know one of the defensive tackles has, gone and it's, like,
hey you've got to move up and get one of
these defensive. Tackles, like if that's the, situation maybe The
ravens try to move up a few. Spots we're not
talking about going from twenty seven to fifteen, here but
maybe if you can go from twenty seven to twenty
(34:45):
four if they feel like they're not a guy's not
going to be. THERE i think it's, unlikely but that's
the scenario WHERE i could see them potentially moving.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Up, yep, well big. Things Dame brugler From The athletic
make sure you go check out the yeah and so much.
Information it'll take you weeks to get through all, that
but by the end of it you'll be a draft.
Speaker 4 (35:05):
Expert, yeah you'll be an Expert thursday night for the
drafts here in a.
Speaker 1 (35:07):
Couple of weeks, Exactly so thank you to. Him as,
always you can reach us at the lounge At ravens
DOT nfl dot net and, when As garrett, teased we'll
be back with You monday with mel kiper junior OF.
Espn you'll want to check that. Out thanks for. Listening
Welcome into the Lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan Mink
here with Garrett Downing, and we are thrilled to be
speaking to the Athletics draft guru. Dane Brugler, who authors
The Beast is there. I feel like there has to
be like a common way of saying that, Dane, how
do you prefer the Beast? Does it have some kind
of emphasis like that?
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Well, you know, it's funny, I don't even remember where
that name came from. You know, like I've been doing
this draft guy for a while and along the way,
somebody started calling it that, and it just started to
catch on. And initially I pushed back a little bit
because it kind of sounds self serving and like that's
like I don't know, But over time I learned to
embrace it, and it's like, all right, if we're gonna
(00:47):
call it this, it's it's just more extra motivation to
make sure that it lives up to a name like that.
And so you know, every year, you know, we try
to make it bigger and better, and you know, it's
it's getting to do that, because you know, we set
the bar so high, but I think we did it.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
We came close this year hopefully.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
So for all our listeners, make sure you go to
the Athletic to read this and uh, it's five hundred
and twenty three pages long, which is I don't even
I don't think I've ever read a book that long
day So but but honestly eagerly await it's dropped every
single draft, and as soon as the Ravens make a pick,
(01:29):
the first thing that I do is go to the
Beast to get some background information on that player and
just your scouting report as well as I think my
favorite part is just you know, you tell what they
eat for breakfast and what their what their father likes
for breakfast, you know, and like it's it's incredible the
depth that you go to and get it with these prospects.
(01:51):
So I do want to ask when does the process
start of you compiling this mountain of information on these guys?
Like how long does this take?
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Well, it never stops, so I don't know that there
is a starting point. It's just it literally is a
year round project. And like for example, right now, like
I'm I've already have a lot of notes for twenty
twenty six prospects and really not on purpose, but you know,
when you're talking to a player or a coach or
a scout, inevitably names pop up or notes pop up
(02:22):
for player, Oh, make sure you watch this player for
next year, and this and that. Like so it's all
I'm always trying to scout, whether it's for this class
or the next one. And then I try to take
a deep breath in May, and then usually around a
moral day is when I'm diving right back into the tape.
And the summer is such a big part of my
process because it gives me a base, like to understand
who these players are. And then that way we go
(02:44):
into the season with some sort of expectations to understand, Okay,
is this player getting better, is he regressing? What's what's
going on with him as a prospect, And then after
Christmas that it's like kind of that that final three
months January favorite March where we have the All Star
Games and the Combine and the private workouts and the
pro days, and that's where we get a lot of
(03:06):
the information as well. It's kind of the most of
the haze and the barn at that point, but those
are the where we get the finishing touches, get the
testing information and yeah, I think you know it. Don't
read the guide because every single player is going to
be ranked exactly right, Like, that's not that's not why
I want you to use the guide. I feel good
about my batting average, but I think it's more towards
(03:28):
what you were saying, like the background information, you know,
all the testing information and all the testing information, and
it's NFL verified. I'm getting it straight from NFL teams,
So it's you know, you're getting the right info, especially
with the pro days where you know there's a lot
of different times being thrown about there and on social
media and stuff. Well, I'm getting times straight from NFL teams,
(03:51):
and so you know what type of information you're getting
in the beast, it's it's the background information straight from players,
you know, straight from their face, family, straight from coaches,
and then all the testing information and of course, like
you said, the analysis the strengths, the weaknesses to try
to paint a picture of who each one of these
players are.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
That's great. Well, I mean you can definitely see that
the depth of the work that you put into it
every single year, and we both enjoy it. I'm curious
just as you look at the Ravens. Just to kind
of set the table for the Ravens.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
How does this.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
Draft present an opportunity for the Ravens to get somebody
or a couple of guys that can get this team
to that next level. How does this draft fit with
that potential for Baltimore.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Well, I think you could make the argument that, you know,
some of the Baltimore's the biggest needs going into the
draft will be on the defensive line, kind of that
front seven, whether you want to go edge rusher, add
more beef in the middle, just different ways you can
enhance that position, not just for twenty twenty five, but
as you put it, you know what's the twenty twenty
(04:52):
six roster look like in twenty twenty seven, and so
as you're forecasting forward, this is a really strong defensive
line group. We're going to see a lot of defensive tackles,
a lot of edge rushers drafted in the top one
hundred picks. And I think, you know, it wouldn't be
surprising if with those first three picks that Baltimore has
they go to the defensive line twice.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
I don't think that would be a surprise at all.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
And but we know they have a lot of picks
on Day three as well, And I think this is
a draft with pretty good depth.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Maybe not at every position, but at most positions.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
It does stretch a little bit, so you feel good
about the players you can get in the fourth round.
And like I said, it's different position by position. Running
back is going to be deeper than you know, say,
offensive tackle. But I think it's it's an opportunity to
really fill out your roster with guys that are gonna
(05:45):
be contributors, Guys that you you know, maybe not expect
to be star players, but you want to come in
compete and help fill out the roster. So this is
a this would be a good opportunity for the Ravens
to do that.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Its the defensive line. Just to to continue the conversation there,
Like you talk about that defensive front and the Ravens
have starters long defense line. They want to add depth
and as we all saw in the Super Bowl, the
value of having a great defensive front, Like who were
the guys I guess at the edge position in the
first round that you think could make sense for the
Ravens if they were to go in that direction in
(06:20):
the first round.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Yeah, I mean I think it's obviously tough when you're
picking so late in the draft, in the first round,
just not knowing how those first twenty six picks are
going to play out. But if you know you're sitting
there at twenty seven and the Ravens, to me, just
from you know, my perspective, they seem to be a
team where they're gonna good players fall to them more
(06:44):
times than not, and it's usually because they're not afraid
to think outside the box a little bit, whether that's
a Kyle Hamilton or a Linderbom or you know, like
we can go back a lot of different examples of
where they're drafting a player that maybe a team in
the top twenty five was a little bit scared off
about because maybe he doesn't fit or check every box.
(07:04):
But the Ravens they say, okay, well this guy does
this really well, so will more than willing to take
a chance.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
And like a guy like that.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Donovaneza Roku from Boston College ed rusher six two and
a half two hundred and fifty pounds. He has you
you want production, he has that. What he did at
Boston College, he was one of the best sack defensive
ends in college football last year. Maybe doesn't have that
elite bend. Maybe isn't doesn't have the elite size that
(07:30):
you're looking for, but he has length and he can
get after the quarterback. He can affect with the pocket
what is happening in the pocket. So to me, that's
the type of guy you want to bet on. And
if he's there at twenty seven, I think that makes
a ton of sense. You know, Landon Jackson from Arkansas big,
he's a little bit stiff, but those guys that are big,
(07:52):
long and have a motor, those guys just last in
the league. And so I think he's another one where
you can play him with his hand on the ground,
stand them up a little bit. You can, you can
be a little creative with how you use Elaine and Jackson.
But yeah, this is just a loaded defensive line group
every single you know, first round, second round, the third round.
I think there's somebody that you can point to and say, yeah,
that makes sense for what we want to be.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
You know, for the Ravens in the front seven, do
you do.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
You like Ezeraku or mikel Williams more for the Ravens
If if they're both on the board, let's say, who
do you think fits the Ravens better.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
That's a that's a good cause.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
I actually have them back to back in my top
one hundred, twenty one and twenty two overall, and so
I think it really would come down to what style
of player you want if you want the because Michel Williams,
he's sixty five, two hundred and sixty seven pounds, kind
of reminds me a little bit of Jason Pierre Paul
where it's there's a little bit of upside, or you're
(08:49):
betting on the upside more so than the production at
that point. And so for Mikel Williams, it takes a
little bit more of a leap of faith. But you know,
we said the Ravens are not afraid to go that route.
I mean, you think about a Dafe when they drafted
him in the first round not having any sacks, you know,
in college, when he's coming out of Penn State. You know,
(09:10):
a guy like Mickel Williams, you know, you like the traits,
you like the talent, but you wish he had more
than twenty one tackles last year, but he was still
an All SEC player, played through an ankle injury and
so that's part of the context of why the production
wasn't better.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
But he looks the part. The length is crazy.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
He can get after the quarterback with that just pure
power ability to be a bull rusher, but he can
also hold up versus the run. And he's one of
the youngest players in the draft at just twenty years old.
He won't turn twenty one until we get to July,
I believe. So you know, he is a player that
I think you can look at the upside and say, yeah,
let's bet on that. Then with Aziraku, he has the
(09:51):
production where he had sixteen and a half sacks last year,
twenty and a half tackles for a loss consensus all American.
Maybe doesn't have the size and doesn't check out all
of those boxes. But if you want a guy that
has length, that is a proven guy that can get
to the quarterback, can win the corner, has different jab steps,
different cross chops, he has different ways he can win,
(10:13):
then I think that's the direction you're going for. So
I think it really just do you want the production,
do you want the upside? I think if you're the Ravens,
I would lean towards the upside. Just because they've shown
that they are more than willing to bet on that
at that point in the first round. But I think
you can make a case for either guy.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
So in the second round, the Ravens pick at number
fifty nine, And it's funny you have back to back
again in your top one hundred two edge rushers right there,
Jack Sawyer at fifty eight, Nick s Gorton at fifty nine.
Gorton seems to me, I mean both those guys kind
of scream Ravens to be honest. Jack's physical, big powerful dudes,
(10:51):
and both you know, pretty strong productions. Gorton going back here.
But you know how between those two guys, Like, if
you're looking at second round edge rushers, let's say the
Ravens ghost safety in the first round or defensive tackle,
and they're looking for that edge in the second, Like,
who do you like is a fit there?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Yeah, Scrton certainly makes sense if he if he's able
to fall that far, you know, because I'm a little
bit lower on scorting than others, but he's still a
He's probably gonna be somewhere in that second round, whether
it's in the forties or fifties. I think he'd be
a terrific pick. He's the motor is great. I mean
he is physical, He's always hunting for the football. He
(11:27):
will chase it down. You know, he's still kind of
putting together what it looks like to like his pass
rush arsenal and what it takes to break down the
rhythm of blockers. And it's it's gonna get tougher in
the NFL when he's facing better competition. But you another
one who's one of the youngest players in the draft
still twenty years old, doesn't turn twenty one until August,
(11:48):
so you feel good about the upside with Scorton. And
then yeah, Jack Sawyer. I think he's what he did
down the stretch for Ohio State to help lead them
the national title, what he did against Texas, and you
know the way he impacted the game in different ways.
He's knocking down balls, he's finding those passing lanes. He's
able to put pressure on the quarterback. Famio Ladejo from
(12:09):
UCLA another interesting name because he was a linebacker the
way they used him and then they moved into edge
ruddersher and you know, just straight out of Central casting
with the size. You know, if you want a guy
that looks the part Famiola Dejo six three, two hundred
and sixty pounds, and the flashes he put on film
during the season and then at the Senior Bowl were terrific.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
Teams.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
He's been a guy that's been on a lot of
thirty visits, teams trying to figure him out completely because
he just there's so much talent there they just want
to know more so. And then one other guy throw
out there ashion Jalotti from Louisville. I think, to me,
he screams raven just because of the way that he
consistently affects the pocket. And another guy didn't have a
(12:54):
lot of sacks, four and a half sacks this year,
but you're watching his tape and you're like, all right, well,
he's in the backfield. He's in the backfield. He's getting
there again. And whether it's just you know, the quarterback
able to evade him, or you know, maybe he misses
the tackle, whatever it may be. He can rush down
the middle and create movement at the point of attack.
He can win high side with the way he fires
(13:17):
off the ball that burst. He's very heavy handed. I
just think he's a kind of a worker bee. Maybe
not going to be the flashiest defensive end, but he's
going to be productive and he's going to be a
guy that I think the Ravens really like.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
On day two, Well, the Ravens have a little bit
of history with Louisville. They've got a good player out
of Louisville before, so you know it's true.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Yeah, it's worked for them before, and why not go
back to that.
Speaker 4 (13:42):
Well, so I want to ask you about cornerback and
if we were having this conversation a year ago. Of course,
the Ravens took Nate Wigans in the first round last year,
and we probably wouldn't even have mentioned Nate at that time.
Didn't think that he was going to be there for
the Ravens and just kind of an oversight and looking
at that position and the way the way that the
Ravens like the drafts. So not making the same mistake twice. Basically,
(14:02):
I think there's a chance that Raves could go first
round corner again this year potentially. I'm curious if you
see that being a potential. Even though the Ravens did
bring into chiatoh Woozie in free agency and of course,
as I mentioned, drafted wings last year. Still have Marlon Humphrey,
could you see them going first round corner? And who
could be some of the options in that mix.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
I think if the right value is there, it's certainly
a position that's going to be part of the conversation.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
You know.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
I think you go onto the first round looking at
all your options because again, you don't know how those
first twenty six picks that are going to play out,
especially in this draft. This is a draft that is
there's a lot of wild cards, and so if Jedai
Barn were to fall to you at that point, I
think you take a long look at that, and it
might depend on how you view Barn. Some teams see
(14:48):
him as strictly a nickel corner. Other teams see versatility
where he could play inside and outside like he did
at Texas. Opinions are all over the place on him.
But one player that I think has been a little
bit of a riser through the process. And I think
that term riser gets overused, but it certainly applies for
some teams and for Trey amos at ole miss I
(15:11):
think it fits because at this time last year he
was a late round pick up, best backup at Alabama.
Transfers to Ole Miss for twenty twenty four and he's
an All SEC player. Sixteen passes defended, three interceptions, played
really well for certain stretches, and then he goes to
(15:31):
the combine and runs a four to four to three
and it's like, okay, six to one, one hundred ninety
five pounds. We thought he was average speed, but combine
tells us otherwise, tested really well. And then talking to
a scout who was at his pro day said he
absolutely crushed it. Said it was the best cornerback pro
day he had seen this cycle. And so for Trey Amos,
(15:52):
it's just kind of checking every box. The season went
well in the SEC. You talk about the All Star season,
talk about the combine, the pro day, it's just like,
all right, check box, box, checkbox. And next thing with
chany Amos, it's like, all right, well, why shouldn't he
be a top thirty pick?
Speaker 3 (16:05):
And so I think he's one of.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Those guys who could be a surprise first rounder on
Thursday Night, and you know, potentially to the Ravens, I
think that's that's a guy they might be interested in.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
Well, I'm curious your take on Maxwell Harrison. He may
also seems like he could be a potential riser cornerback
out of Kentucky. He seems to fit a similar profile
to night Wigans, Like he's got blazing speed, he's he's
long and lean. What's your take on Harrison and could
he be a good fit? Is he too similar to Wiggins?
Speaker 1 (16:32):
Like that?
Speaker 4 (16:32):
That do you They kind of profile wise seem to
match up with each other. What's your take on Harston?
Speaker 3 (16:38):
Yeah? I think that's that's.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Kind of a good point about Okay, is he very
too same ish to to Wiggins? Because Wiggans one of
the reasons he fell was just that lean frame and
could he hold up physically? And teams worried about, Okay,
you know, one hundred and seventy eight pounds, could he
play at a high level of the NFL at that size?
Harriston he was a hundred and eighty three at the combine,
(17:02):
also ran a four two eight, So the speed is
big time, It's fantastic. And he also at the Pro
Day had thirty nine and a half inchvert ten to
nine broad So he's explosive, there's no doubt about it.
Just the size isn't great. He was hurt for most
of this year. He had a shoulder issue, and you know,
I think the tackling needs to get better. It's something
that was not a strong part of his game when
(17:24):
you watch him on film. But when you have cover
skills and you have speed, teams are going to be
more than happy to kind of take the chance and
see you see what you got. So yeah, I think
late first, early second, that's kind of the range for
Maxwell Harriston. But you know, this is a decent corner class.
I think, you know, whether he like I mentioned Jedai Baron,
(17:45):
some teams really like Noel Williams from cal Chavon Revel
from East Carolina is one of my favorite stories in
the draft and that's my favorite part of doing the
Draft Guide is learning all the stories of these guys
and Chevon Revel, just going back to and talking to him,
talking his talking to coaches at ECU. You know, he
was a lot of injuries in high school, didn't have
(18:06):
the grades, so we had to go to Juco route
and that was when COVID hit in twenty twenty. So
he finds himself he's working at Amazon in an overnight
fulfillment center and just trying to make ends meet, but
not giving up on his dream. He worked a shift
six pm to four am, and a couple hours later
he was in the car going to ECU for a
(18:27):
tryout and his dad actually sent me the video of
you know, his dad was in the stands videoing him
running a forty yard dash and the coach racing chasing
him down to show him the stopwatch and say all right,
we've got something here. And so Chavon Ravel was able
to turn that into a really outstanding twenty twenty three season,
(18:47):
and Alabama, LSU, Ohio, State, you name it. Schools are
coming after him in the current era of NIL and
transfer portal. He stayed loyal to ECU and stayed at
for the twenty twenty fourth season, and then in September
he had an ACL tear and it's like, oh man,
this this guy is just adversity after adversity, but you know,
(19:08):
he just keeps coming. And so the mental toughness that
he's built up over the years is really fantastic, and
he's going to be a guy that maybe not go
first round anymore like we thought because of that injury,
but a team's going to get a really good player
on day two.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
Yeah, I think if if he's there at fifty nine
in the second round and the Ravens haven't drafted a
corner already. Chevon Revel makes a whole lot of sense.
It's got like it's almost got. David A. Jabo vibes
to me. Injury happened at a different time, but very
talented player who slides because of an injury. Also good
story on both of them, and a great story on
both of me. By the way, our listeners should check
(19:44):
out Dane's feature story on Schevon Revel that they wrote it.
It's really an excellent right up.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
Yeah, so you see like that.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
That's what happens when I do all the all the
nuggets for the draft guide. There are sometimes where it's like, oh, shoot,
this is too good that just hold it for the
draft Guide. I need to make I need to blow
this up and to make it a bigger story. And
Chevon Ravel is definitely one of those cases.
Speaker 1 (20:03):
Yeah, for sure. Well, I want to talk Dane about
the safety class and I'll just put it out there.
I've been a big Malachi Starks guy from the beginning
of the pre draft process, and I've planned my flag
and this is why Garrett's talking to you. About cornerback,
because like I, once you plant your flag, the other
guy can't take him in his mock draft, right, that
just be that'd be foul play, all right, So I
(20:24):
plan it on Malachi. So he's trying to talk himself
into a first round corner and all that stuff. Right,
But I noticed saying that you have Nick Immamory slightly
above two spots ahead of Malachi Starks on your top
one hundred. Yet Malachi at nineteen, nick Immory at seventeen.
Why do you like Nick hare better? And who do
(20:46):
you think between the two of them fits the Ravens better? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (20:50):
With them and Worry.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
It's just you don't find guys that are six three,
two hundred and twenty pounds and run in the four
threes and have a forty three in verd and eleven
to six broad And it also show up on the tape.
And then just talking to his teammates, they say how
how tough he was to go up against and practice
because how smart he is. Just he understands what the
(21:14):
offense is doing and he gets a beat on it,
and he goes and mix plays. So I just think
the total package is there with em and Warr plus
you feel like they're still upside there for him to
get better and better. But yeah, I mean Malachi Starks,
he's right there. I mean Malachi Stars is one of
I'm with you, one of my favorite players in the draft.
He's the size might doesn't look great, six' one one ninety,
(21:34):
seven it's it's. Average the speed four or five, Zero,
okay that's. Average you, know like even if three cone
wasn't amazing or like the testing won't blow you. Away
but you watch his film and you see him play
across the, secondary play as a post, safety play as
a nickel. Corner you, know they they let him up
in the box and they'd use him all over the.
(21:55):
Field and so that versatility that he brings to play
across the secondary and how smart he is with, coverage different.
Responsibilities the ball skills are, tremendous go up and get the.
Football you, know he's one of those guys like if
he falls to The ravens at twenty, seven it's one
of those like come, on like what's going on? Here
like that that's that's the type of thing that usually
(22:17):
happens with the with The, ravens you, know like a
like A linderbaum Or Kyle. Hamilton so if that were to, happen,
YEAH i. DON'T i don't think if he's on the
board at twenty, SEVEN i don't think he should be
on the board at twenty.
Speaker 1 (22:28):
Eight that's So, Raven, yes.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
Exactly, Hey i'm A i'm. Curious this is a little
bit more kind of in the.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Weeds The.
Speaker 4 (22:38):
Ravens they have all three of their tight ends this
year going into the last year of the, Contract Mark,
Andhrews Isaiah, Likely Charlie, kohler all those. Guys it was
their third and fourth round. Picks so The ravens have
this great knack really if you go back to their
history of finding some tight, ends you, know in those
in those middle. Rounds AND i don't know if they're
going to go back to that route again this, year
just knowing those guys are all going into the final
years of their. Contracts but are they mid rounds tight
(23:01):
ends that you could see making sense and.
Speaker 2 (23:03):
That you, Like, yeah, Sure and especially with The ravens
having so many picks On day, THREE i DON'T i
don't think that'd be a surprise if they spent one
of them on a tight, end you, Know Mitchell evans
From Notre dame had AN acl tear last year and
so this year we saw a little bit of, rust
but he got better and better throughout the. Season he
was a big part of Why Notre dame was able
to make The National championship. Game you feel like he
(23:24):
has yet to play his best. Football six y, five
two hundred and fifty three, pounds decent, athlete catches the ball,
well really tough. Player we Know alabama or we know
The ravens Like alabama players and you, know no matter
who's making the.
Speaker 3 (23:39):
Picks BUT.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
Cj DePree From alabama is a guy that you, know
the stats don't look, amazing like he wasn't a heavily
targeted player in that, offense but when he was, targeted
good things. Happened and you, know he's another one that
has he passes the size. Test he's six, five two
hundred fifty six. Pounds he ran in the four to
six is also had one of the best bench press
(24:02):
numbers thirty two.
Speaker 3 (24:03):
REPS i mean he is a guy.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
That lives in the weight room and you know he's
another one WHO i don't think we've seen play his best.
Football so, yeah this is a really good tight end.
Group we have the guys at the top With Tyler
warren And Colson, LOVELAND i Love Mason taylor FROM, lsu
and then even on day two With Elijah royo And
Terrence ferguson and those. Guys but, yeah on day three
there will be more than a few options that make.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Sense defensive Line Dane Derek harmon Versus Walter, nolan you
know who fits what The ravens like to. Do and
Then Kenneth. Grant you know you have twenty fifth. Overall
is he despite not having the kind of pass rush
prowess MAYBE i should, say you, know he's more of
a big bodied run stopper kind of. Guy do you
(24:48):
think he's worth the? Pick is he's so dominant as
a run stopper and can develop as a pass rusher
that he would be worthy of the twenty seventh.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Pick, yeah there's a little more of a leap of
faith with with a guy Like Kenneth, grant because he
has that size where he can be a stout run,
stuffer but he also has quickness where he can get
upfield as. Well so a little bit of an interchangeable defensive.
Lineman i'm a Big Derek carmon. GUY i think he's
one of the best players in this, draft a full,
stop and if he's able to be there at that
(25:17):
late first, round that that be a steal in my.
Opinion you, know he's what you love about him as the.
Versatility you want to line him up at the one,
technique he can do. That you want to line him
up as a three over THE b, gap you can do.
That you line him up as more of a, five no.
Problem he has the, size he has the ability very.
(25:37):
Disruptive no other interior defensive lineman had more pressures this
year Than Derek, carmon so he could get after the
quarterback now wanted to turn some of those, pressures more
of those pressures into.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Sacks needs to get better.
Speaker 2 (25:51):
There but the way that he can really affect what
the backfield is doing is is tremendous shows up versus the.
Run he really opened up things for that entire front
seven of That oregon. Defense so if If Derek, CARMON
i don't think he should get, passed you, know, say
even like The bengals at, seventeen let's just keep it
(26:12):
THE Afc, NORTH i don't think he should get pass
The bengals at. Seventeen but if he get if he's
there at twenty one for The, steelers that makes a
ton of sense for them as. Well so if somehow
he were there at twenty seven For, BALTIMORE i think
that's an easy decision for.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
THEM i, say keep him out of THE Afc north
unless it's in. Purple you.
Speaker 4 (26:31):
Know the last one THAT i have for, You dane
is we're talking about all these guys who could, slide
AND i think that's why that The ravens generally like to.
Operate they find somebody who slides down the board for
one reason or. Another like maybe it's maybe it's one
of the, safeties because we've seen that already with the
safety value in the. Position maybe It's Derek, harmon even
though you're maybe throwing a little cold water on that
with some of the other teams in this division potentially
(26:53):
being interested in, Him, like is there a player that
you feel like there's the highest likelihood that he gets
to twenty seven even though he has no busy this being,
there it would just be too good of a player
for The raves to pass.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Up, well what about a position we haven't talked about?
Yet And Josh, simmons a left tackle From Ohio state
who was putting himself in the conversation to BE ot
one in this class before his knee injury In. October
so just the medicals are obviously a big part of.
This the interviews are a big part of. It just
make sure the character is. Great But Josh, simmons in
(27:25):
terms of the, talent he has the ability to be
a starting left tackle in the league for a long,
time and so he has a little bit of a
discount sticker on him because of those. Things but if
he were to be there at twenty, SEVEN i think
he makes you, think it really makes you, Consider, okay
is he worth it at this, point even though you
(27:46):
know maybe with the way that you know what we
did this, offseason tackle is not a huge need for,
us but we know offensive line is something that we
should always be investing, in and so that would be
an interesting one for. Me Walter nolan's another one we
we just mentioned who is really. Talented just have to
be convinced that he's you're going to get the most
out of that talent consistently down, in down. Out SO
(28:09):
i think talent, wise he has no business being there
at twenty. Seven but you, know you have to be
convinced that you know what you're getting with, him and
so maybe The ravens feel better About Walter nolan than
some other.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Teams you, know who.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Knows that's why you, know we have all these interviews
and thirty visits and things like. That so, YEAH i
think You're you're absolutely. Right that's how The Baltimore ravens will,
operate and that's how they end up with good players
consistently as they trust their scouting and even though some
other teams might, pass they feel strongly about the way
their process. Works AND i wouldn't be surprised that that
happens again in this year's first.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
Round one other polarizing player THAT i just want to
point Out Shamar stewart Of TEXAS a AND. M you,
know you have ninth on your top one. Hundred obviously
the production questions. There do you think the combine, performance
the athleticism that there's just no way he could make
it to twenty seven even despite the, sticker you, know
because of the.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
Production, yeah it's tough because you wanted to have, sacks
but he led the team in pressures and you have
to see how he was used in the context of
what he was asked to do in that, defense and
so that changes the math a little. Bit and so
that's why he's been a popular guyer in thirty visits and,
interviews trying to figure him.
Speaker 3 (29:17):
Out another really young player who you know, What i'm.
Speaker 2 (29:20):
Willing to bet on the pashwasher, Upside not every team
sees it that, way and so there's definitely a lot
of split opinion On Schimur. Stewart he could go top,
fifteen he could be on the board when The ravens,
pick AND i don't Think i'd be really surprised at either.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
Outcome, well thank you so, Much. Dean, hey we really appreciate.
Speaker 3 (29:35):
It, Now, hey pleasure is on. MINE i really enjoyed.
Speaker 1 (29:38):
It you.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Know it's The ravens get better every year on the draft,
weekend And i'm sure it's going to be the same this.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
Year oh so thanks for taking the, Time.
Speaker 3 (29:45):
Dan thanks, guys.
Speaker 4 (29:46):
You're listening to the last podcast where you're coming to
you from The Sea geek. Studio we want to mention
our partners With draftking Sports. Book they are an official
sports betting partner of The Baltimore Ravens draftking. Sportsbook The
crown is yours big thanks To Dane.
Speaker 1 (29:58):
Man he has so.
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Much information on every single one of these. GUYS i
think that his, like just the knowledge that he has
for the draft is really second to. None so good
to talk to. Him and after that, conversation we've Been
we've been having a lot of these, conversations, uh with
with draft. Experts we're gonna have another one little tea
is coming up On monday with Mel. Kiper recently talked
(30:20):
with him and that's going to Drop monday. Morning so
we've been working the draft experts. Circuit how does this
make you feel about the direction that The ravens could?
Speaker 1 (30:30):
Go, OH i think it doubling down on My Malachi starks.
Efforts uh, YEAH i think that we're on the right
path and and other people see it the same. WAY
i think what's going to be really interesting to me
is That Edge rusher, group you, know the Mikel, williams
The Donovan, Ezraku, yeah you. Know, uh and so that
(30:52):
group and Does Shamar stewart get to twenty seven those three?
PLAYERS i think that could. BE i always feel like
every year as we get closer to The ravens draft
and we're, like all, Right ravens are five, away here's
seven players they still might really. Like, yeah like you
could see multiple of. THOSE i just think it's gonna
(31:14):
be one of those drafts where it's, like man As,
rock you's still on the. Board so and so is
still on the. Board you, Know James pierce is still
on the. Board the safeties are still on the, board
and like it's kind of who do you like better
pick your.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
Flavor, YEAH i think that IF i guess you're watching
the draft On thursday, night you there's always a handful
of those guys that you like want to just just keep.
Way quarterbacks go in, front you, know players possession and
dart let's come on.
Speaker 1 (31:40):
Down the running.
Speaker 4 (31:41):
Backs the running backs go because you know they. Go
there's multiple first round running, Backs like all that stuff,
happens and then you have these players that end up
getting pushed the safeties and then also LIKE i think
of clumps of positions and sometimes you can see a
run that happens and it's, like if you're five picks
away and both safeties are still on the, BOARD i
feel good about being able to get one of them
(32:02):
and if one of them, goes If Nicki minori goes at,
fifteen they say the.
Speaker 3 (32:07):
Stars is going to make it to.
Speaker 1 (32:08):
Twenty sit right, Exactly.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
So all of that is part of. IT i really
do think, That LIKE i think that The, ravens as
they look at, it they're not going to be too
pressed on. POSITION i think both of us are leaning.
DEFENSE i would be if we sit here right, Now
i'd be surprised if they went offense in the first,
round even offensive, line LIKE i would be. Surprised he
Mentioned simmons From Ohio state just would surprise me given
(32:32):
the fact that they Resigned Ronnie, stanley so that would surprise.
ME i think it's going to be. Defense but like
whether That's Derek harmon or Maybe Walter nolan or one
of the safeties Or JOHN.
Speaker 3 (32:44):
D barron at.
Speaker 4 (32:44):
CORNER i don't think, that like there's really a wrong answer.
Speaker 1 (32:48):
There, YEAH i. AGREE i think The ravens are going
to have a lot of good. Options do they trade,
back trade, out trade out the first? ROUND i don't think.
Speaker 4 (32:56):
So, NO i don't think that will.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
Happen, okay all, right they have eleven, picks so it's
not like they need a lot.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
More, YEAH i don't really think that's going to be the.
Case the only scenario WHERE i think that that potentially
could end up happening is if there was somebody looking
to move back in and get a quarterback and they
could and they felt like they could get a ton
of value of from a team coming up from the second.
Round if as a quarterback sliding who someone wants to
come up and.
Speaker 1 (33:20):
Get right, right AND i think that there's more of a.
Chance you, know we get a lot of questions about
could The ravens trade, up could they trade, back and
all this. Stuff you, know all the, analysts Including danes
seem to say there's not a huge gap in talent
level between the eleventh player and the forty fifth, player you,
(33:42):
know and, so but there's at some point there's kind
of that shelf there in the second mid second. Round
could The ravens move up in the second a little?
Bit if let's, say want To Nick gorton is kind
of sliding down there and they didn't address pass rusher
in the first, round could they move up in the?
SECOND i could see, That, yeah.
Speaker 4 (34:02):
Potentially, yeah of, course moving up in the second comes
at a much steeper discount and moving up in the
first or obvious. Reasons so you could do that considering
you have eleven picks and not give up too. MUCH
i think that that possibility. Exists so and the other
THING i would say that like where The ravens could
move up in the first round is if it's the
inverse of what we just talked. About you're looking at
(34:24):
it and it's, like, hey both safeties are, gone cornerbacks
getting kind of plucked. Clean there's like one, guy you,
know one of the defensive tackles has, gone and it's, like,
hey you've got to move up and get one of
these defensive. Tackles, like if that's the, situation maybe The
ravens try to move up a few. Spots we're not
talking about going from twenty seven to fifteen, here but
maybe if you can go from twenty seven to twenty
(34:45):
four if they feel like they're not a guy's not
going to be. THERE i think it's, unlikely but that's
the scenario WHERE i could see them potentially moving.
Speaker 1 (34:53):
Up, yep, well big. Things Dame brugler From The athletic
make sure you go check out the yeah and so much.
Information it'll take you weeks to get through all, that
but by the end of it you'll be a draft.
Speaker 4 (35:05):
Expert, yeah you'll be an Expert thursday night for the
drafts here in a.
Speaker 1 (35:07):
Couple of weeks, Exactly so thank you to. Him as,
always you can reach us at the lounge At ravens
DOT nfl dot net and, when As garrett, teased we'll
be back with You monday with mel kiper junior OF.
Espn you'll want to check that. Out thanks for. Listening
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