As part of the online coverage leading up to the NFL draft, The Sun will look at prospects who could be available for the Ravens with the 26th overall pick.
RYAN KERRIGAN
Defensive end-outside linebacker, Purdue
Height/weight: 6-3/267
Key statistics: Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year led the conference in sacks for two straight years (13 sacks in 2009 and 12.5 in 2010).
Pro Football Weekly ranking: 10th among all defensive linemenWhy Ravens should draft him: If the Ravens are able to draft Kerrigan, you'll hear that he "plays like a Raven." Kerrigan is hardworking, passionate and relentless. The Ravens need a pass-rush presence outside of Terrell Suggs and Kerrigan is a proven commodity. In addition to his sacks, He tied an NCAA FBS record with 14 forced fumbles.
What should concern Ravens: Kerrigan is more comfortable playing as a 4-3 end than a 3-4 outside linebacker. While no one can question his production, he lacks elite athletic ability. He's also been knocked because he isn't a creative pass rusher.
What they're saying: ""He can be like a Jarret Johnson who was at Alabama then came to the Baltimore Ravens and has done a heck of a job. [Kerrigan has] been disruptive, shedding, stopping the run effectively. If you watch this kid, he was productive week-in and week-out." -- ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper
Interaction with Ravens: Private workout in March
Bottom line: The Ravens have a strong history in converting college defensive ends into top-notch linebackers from Peter Boulware to Terrell Suggs to Jarret Johnson. Kerrigan certainly possesses the intangibles that the Ravens covet. But the Ravens would need four teams to pass on him in order for Kerrigan to fall to them. Kerrigan has been projected to go in the middle of the first round, drawing interest from Jacksonville (No. 16), New England (No. 17), San Diego (No. 18) and Tampa Bay (No. 20).
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