Defensive Players to Watch at the NFL Combine

The annual NFL Combine is now upon us. Here are some players to watch at the combine that the Ravens may have interest in on the defensive side of the ball.

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Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina – projected 1^st round:

Kinlaw was a standout at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He has an elite combination of size, strength and technique that allowed him to dominate the competition. While it’s unlikely that he is still available when the Ravens will be drafting in the 1^st round, he is the kind of player that could transform the defensive front. If for some reason he slides into the bottom half of the round, he could warrant a move up by Eric Decosta, and how he tests at the Combine may influence where he ends up.

K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU – projected 1^st round:

Athleticism and natural tools jump off the screen with Chaisson, but the production as a pass-rusher does not necessarily align with the potential. Chaisson is a very strong run defender who uses athleticism to fullest extent while inconsistency with his pass-rush approach and a somewhat raw skill-set are likely to blame for lack of production. There is potential to be a special player, but also some concern that he didn’t put it together in college. Will he be the next Danielle Hunter or the next Barkevious Mingo? Unfortunately, Chaisson has signaled that he will not be performing drills at the Combine which may or may not hurt his draft stock, but coming off an ACL injury in 2018, his medical exam could be the most important part of this week regardless.

Patrick Queen, LB, LSU – projected 1^st round:

Queen is an intriguing LB prospect for the modern NFL. He is instinctive and athletic and possesses elite coverage ability, but his lack of size could be challenging in certain schemes – he’s probably best suited to play weakside LB. It’s no secret that the Ravens had some issues at ILB in 2019 before the mid-season acquisitions of L.J. Fort and Josh Bynes, and the position is a big question mark heading into 2020 with only Fort and reserve/special teamer Chris Board under contract. The Ravens could be in the market for a bigger-bodied Mike LB, but if Queen is on the board when the pick his versatility and fit could be tough to pass on. The Combine will be an important opportunity for Queen to show off his athleticism and prove he isn’t too small for teams like the Ravens looking for a mILB.

Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame – projected 1^st/2^nd round:

Another highly athletic Edge defender, Okwara may be one of the more underrated defensive prospects in the draft. According to Pro Football Focus, Okwara’s pressure rate of 18.4% is tied for best in the nation over the 2018 & 2019 seasons. While he didn’t convert the pressures into sacks at a high rate, the ability to consistently generate pressure is impressive and speaks to his potential as a high-end edge defender. Another aspect of Okwara’s game that could land him high on the Ravens’ draft board is his impressive ability to drop into coverage. However, his frame is a bit light and he struggles at times to set the edge. In a lot of ways he reminds me of Tyus Bowser, but with better natural pass-rushing ability. Okwara needs to use the Combine to validate his athleticism and demonstrate fluidity in drills.

Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah – projected 2^nd round:

CB is probably the deepest position on defense and possibly any position in this year’s draft class, and there are a lot of different types of CBs who excel in different roles. Johnson is primarily an outside CB who is at his best when playing press man coverage. He does not look as comfortable when playing zone, but Johnson does possess good size and he is physical, two traits that the Ravens seem to like in their CBs. Like any CB, Johnson will need to prove he has adequate speed at the Combine or he could get lost in a crowded class.

Antoine Winfield Jr, DB, Minnesota – projected 2^nd/3^rd round:

Winfield is one of my favorite players to watch in this class. He doesn’t possess great size or athleticism, but he more than makes up for hit with aggressiveness, instincts and tenacity. Winfield played most of his reps at safety at Iowa St, showing equal ability both the box and covering deep. He would be a great fit in a Ravens secondary that asks their defensive backs to have versatility, and he certainly has the mentality of a Ravens defender. The Combine could be big for Winfield, and if he tests better than anticipated there is a decent shot he finds himself taken in the first round.

Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee – projected 3^rd round:

Taylor is another raw athlete with impressive upside as an Edge defender. He possesses excellent burst and good bend but is far too inconsistent on film. Ironically enough, Taylor reminds me of Matt Judon in a lot of ways from the athletic movement skills to the impressive splash plays followed by stretches where he seemingly disappears. He’s not an overly impressive run defender either and his experience dropping in coverage is fairly limited. However, a strong Combine where he demonstrates athleticism and raw ability could move Taylor up draft boards.

Raequan Williams, DT, Michagan St – projected day 3:

Williams has ideal size and length and has the ability to play anywhere along the defensive front in the Ravens scheme. However, Williams struggles with technique and leverage and even though he possesses above average quickness and power will too frequently get stoned at the line of scrimmage when he loses the pad level war. His size and athleticism will likely earn him an early day 3 selection and if he can learn more consistent technique, Williams could end up being a draft day bargain.

Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami – projected day 3:

If the Ravens are looking for the prototypical Mike LB, Quarterman could be their guy. Quarterman is a bit of a throwback player in that he packs a serious whallup when he meets the ball-carrier and is unafraid to stick his nose into the fray. He possesses good speed and lateral range, and while he is a better run defender than coverage player, he is more than adequate in zone drops.