The assumption was the Baltimore Ravens were willing to let outside linebacker Paul Kruger walk because they drafted Courtney Upshaw in 2012. Then they signed Elvis Dumervil to pair with Terrell Suggs. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees described a scenario that could move Upshaw to inside linebacker. "He'll be in competition as an outside 'backer out there," Pees said on 105.7 The Fan, via the Carroll County Times. "That's where we'll start him out. But the other thing is that you can't have too many pass rushers, and we can find a way to get them all on the field now. We can scheme up some things to get all those guys on the field." The Ravens certainly have vacancies inside, with Ray Lewis retired and Dannell Ellerbe in Miami. We know Upshaw can rush the passer and play the run. It's his coverage skills that are questioned, but coach John Harbaugh recently praised those abilities, Carroll County Times' Matt Zenitz reported. "The way we teach this defense, all the (linebackers) have to know all four spots," Pees said. "Because, again, I've always told these guys that I don't want a good player standing on the sideline by me with a player out there on the field that I don't think is as good because you can't play another position. So, our guys have always learned a lot of different spots. "We'll do that again this spring, and then we'll just make a decision after the OTAs and the minicamp and going into fall camp where everybody kind of really fits in this thing." Source: NFL.com
Seriously doubt he spends much time there, he'll keep Suggs and Dummervil fresh on run downs setting the edge, i think you'll see more of him rushing as a 3 tech, he may blitz or take some token zone drops from the mike or will spot just to throw opposing OC's off but i dont think he'll play it all that much. He already an elite run playing 34 sam but he really needs to transform his body this offseason, he's gonna be strong as a bull regardless, i would really like to see him get down to 255 to 260.That should help his quickness and conditioning. He has such strong hands and can bull rush, if he changes his body and adds a counter move he'll be fine as a pass rusher.
I kinda think this is only meant for on passing downs, just to have him suggs and doom on the field together
This, i think they are gonna move him around quite a bit on pass downs, he may rush from the mike or will spot or as a 3 tech, maybe take some short zone drops. Anything other then that doesnt make much sense.
