OWINGS MILLS — It’s no secret the Ravens need to add an edge rusher in this year’s NFL draft, especially after losing Jadeveon Clowney to free agency.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta could select a pass rusher in the first or second round.
Here are four players who could interest them:
Player: Adisa Isaac
School: Penn State
Size: 6 feet 4, 254 pounds
Analysis: Isaacc has impressive speed for his size. He’s a pure outside rusher who has the potential to earn double-digit sacks in the NFL. Last season, Isaac finished with 37 tackles, 7 1/2 sacks and one forced fumble. He embraced a leadership role as a team captain, which bodes well for his standing with the Ravens.
Player: Chop Robinson
School: Penn State
Size: 6-3, 254 pounds
Analysis: Several draft boards have linked the Maryland transfer to the Ravens. Robinson started 10 games and had 15 tackles, 7 1/2 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. He was named a third-team All-American. Robinson is a smart and solid player, but there are questions about whether he can get to the quarterback at the NFL level. The Ravens need a player who can earn sacks.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) is sacked by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Photo by Dale Zanine, USA Today Sports
Player: Darius Robinson
School: Missouri
Size: 6-5, 285 pounds
Analysis: The Ravens would love for Robinson to fall to them in the first round. Last season, he was a first-team All-SEC pick and led Missouri with 14 tackles for a loss, and 8 1/2 sacks over 12 games. He has the size that resembles Clowney and has the potential to earn a starting job as a rookie. However, several other teams appear to have their sights on Robinson.
Player: Laiatu Latu
School: UCLA
Size: 6-5, 259 pounds
Analysis: Latu has been another player linked to the Ravens in various draft boards, and he is the most accomplished player among this group. Last season, he won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end and was a first-team Associated Press All-American. Latu led the FBS with 21 1/2 tackles for a loss and tied for fourth with 13.0 sacks over 12 games. He did suffer a neck injury in college and that could affect his draft ranking. However, the Ravens will pounce if he is available with the 30th overall pick.