Former Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker Peter Boulware, the No. 4 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, said he would look more for speed than athleticism when selecting an outside linebacker, especially in the first round.
Boulware had 12 sacks in his first season to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad four times during his eight seasons. The Ravens are looking to draft a pass rusher, possibly Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward.
"Speed kills," said Boulware, vice-president of a car dealership in Florida. "You have to have a guy who can run, cover a running back or tight end and if you find one, then you've got something really special. I'd take speed over athleticism, but you have to have the other one as well."
At 250 pounds, Boulware ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. He played defensive end at Florida State.
"When I first got to the NFL, all I could do was put my hand in the dirt and run as fast as possible," Boulware said. "I was raw, but had some great teachers who taught me on the fly. I haven't followed the Ravens real closely, but they appear to be good, but not good enough. I'm not sure if there is a player out there that can get them over the hump, but I hope they find one."
-- Mike Preston