Ravens DT Broderick Washington and DE Brent Urban lined up for game against Falcons.
Now that the Super Bowl has concluded the 23-24 NFL season, eyes will turn to free agency and ultimately the draft. For the Baltimore Ravens and their fans, it will be about adding the right pieces to get them past the AFC Championship game and to a Super Bowl.
Bleacher Report’s scouting department released their latest mock draft on Monday, February 12 for the 2024 draft. For the Ravens at pick No. 30, they projected “EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington.”
According to BR, “Washington’s Bralen Trice has been one of college football’s most prolific pass-rushers over the past decade. He finished fourth on that list with 106 career pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.”
I don’t think Bralen Trice at pick 23 would be a reach. He looks very similar to Arik Armstead.
At pick 30 the Ravens will watch top names come off the board before they get a crack at it. However, “They let good players come to them. It’s rather remarkable how steady and consistent they are in that regard,” BR writes.
The Ravens top defensive line was only able to sack QB Patrick Mahomes twice in the Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The defense as a whole came out to a slow start, so they may be looking to add another premium defender to further boost the unit.
In 2023 Trice contributed 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks to the College Football Playoff runner-up Huskies.
“Trice’s game is predicated on power and relentlessness. He’ll play through, around and chase down ball-carriers. His motor runs white hot at all times,” BR wrote. The projection BR has for Trice for his player comparison is 3-time Pro Bowler Frank Clark.
Trice’s size is considered one of his major strengths and according to BR, “Bralen Trice has a great frame for an NFL edge. He puts that to good use against the run and as a pass-rusher.”
Washington EDGE Bralen Trice (#8) with the inside win. Forced the Texas offensive tackle to overset and finishes Ewers on the ground.
Ravens’ Concerns Over Trice’s Athleticism
In a recent report, concerns have been raised about the athleticism of a potential player for the Baltimore Ravens. According to BR, while Trice does possess good athleticism for his size, it is generally considered to be just average. This limitation affects his pass-rush skills as he lacks the quick-twitch movement and change of direction necessary for finesse moves.
Another area of concern is Trice’s ability to beat tackles off the corners, commonly referred to as his “bend.” BR highlights that his bend is subpar compared to his peers, which hinders his ability to secure sacks around the edge.
However, BR suggests that positioning Trice on the defensive line rather than as a linebacker may help address these issues. They report that his get-off is slightly better when starting from a three-point stance, which improves his leverage at the point of attack.
Ravens’ Defensive Challenges
While the Ravens’ defense is renowned for its dominance, there are potential challenges ahead. The team may face the loss of key defensive players who contributed significantly to their success. According to BR scout Matt Holder, the Ravens’ top three pass-rushers, Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, and Kyle Van Noy, are all impending free agents.
While there is a possibility of re-signing Clowney and Van Noy on cost-effective veteran deals, Madubuike is expected to seek a lucrative contract. Spotrac’s market value predictor estimates a potential 4-year, $81 million deal for Madubuike.
Holder suggests that it would make sense for the Ravens to invest a first-round pick in a premium position to maintain the high level of pressure they generated last season. The Ravens have built their identity around a strong defense and a formidable running game, making it crucial for them to keep this position well-stocked, according to Holder.
In this context, Trice is seen as a potential solution, as he possesses the physical presence that the Ravens tend to prefer among their front seven, as per Holder’s analysis.
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Tony Vozza provides coverage of the Baltimore Ravens for the tabloid format.
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