We’ll do a complete list of defensive “risers and fallers” from the Combine this week as it pertains to the Ravens’ draft needs…
But today the safeties are out on the field for drills.
Harrison Smith, FS from Notre Dame, could be a Raven if Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura decide to go elsewhere in free agency…but it would probably take a high 2nd-round pick to get Smith.
The Ravens will return starters Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard, but Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura are both unrestricted free agents.
Ryan Mink over at the Ravens.com official NFL site has a very nice breakdown on the safeties who are working out today (Tuesday) at the Combine. Here are the guys Ryan thinks you should pay close attention to as potential Ravens:
FS/SS Mark Barron, Alabama
Senior; 6-foot-1, 223 pounds
Widely seen as the top safety in the class, the Alabama co-defensive captain is an instinctive ball-hawker and a strong tackler. He’s big, rangy and has proven production with 12 career interceptions. He can likely step into a secondary right away and is considered a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Biggest question: Would Ravens go safety in the first?
FS/SS Harrison Smith, Notre Dame
Senior; 6-2, 212
Baltimore could replace Zibby with another Golden Domer. Smith is bigger than Zbikowski and has speed to boot. Smith logged seven interceptions in his junior season, but didn’t have any outside of that in almost four complete years as a starter. He’s a vocal, smart leader.
Biggest question: Is he a fluid athlete?
SS Antonio Allen, South Carolina
Senior; 6-1, 202
Allen was a playmaker in his senior year, nabbing three interceptions, forcing four fumbles and recovering three. He’s a lean, athletic player who could be molded into a solid special teams player. Allen’s an energetic leader by example.
Biggest question: Can he pick up a pro system?
SS Cyhl Quarles, Wake Forest
Senior; 6-2, 208
Charles is a high-character player who works hard in the weight room and has special team experience, which would make him a useful backup. The late-round prospect is an aggressive and well-proportioned athlete who made 101 tackles for the Demon Deacons last season.
Biggest question: Could he become a starter?
FS/CB Brandon Hardin, Oregon State
Senior; 6-3, 222
A large, versatile prospect who is a big hitter and still fast enough to cover, Hardin is expected to fall into the mid-to-late rounds because he missed all of last season with a broken shoulder. He played in the East-West Shrine Game and his pre-draft workouts will be essential to his stock.
Biggest question: Is he healthy?
My opinion: Barron will be gone before the Ravens draft at 29th, and I don’t see Ozzie reaching to get him, in fact, quite the contrary, Ozzie is more likely to trade out of the 1st Round to get more value in later rounds. But if Harrison Smith is available late in the 2nd Round or in the 3rd Round, I can see Ozzie making a move for him.
One problem for the Ravens is they don’t have a 4th Round pick (due to Lee Evans trade), and we have yet to find out if the Ravens will receive any compensatory picks. So Ozzie may only get one realistic shot at any of the quality safeties listed above.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
