The Ravens intend to take a long look at defensive end Pernell McPhee at rush outside linebacker behind former Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. McPhee is a 6-foot-3, 280-pounder who dipped to 1 1/2 sacks last season after finishing second on the defense with six sacks as a rookie two years ago. McPhee is on the mend from offseason groin surgery, playing through the injury last season after undergoing a pair of arthroscopic knee surgeries last year. "We’re kind of a hybrid, 4-3, 3-4 team, so we’re going to emphasize Pernell a little bit more at outside linebacker in Terrell Suggs’ spot and see how he does out there," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "But he’ll still bounce. He’s an outside linebacker that can play defensive end, and he’ll be a defensive end-pass rusher in our even fronts, in our pass-rush scheme." McPhee was limited to 21 tackles in 12 games with six starts last season. “I think he’s a good player, and I think he’s going to help us whether he plays defensive end, defensive tackle or rush linebacker,†Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta said. “He’s a motivated guy, plays really hard and I think he’s going to have a great year.†Source: Baltimore Sun
