Reports: Ravens schedule private workout with Kerrigan

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http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/03/reports_ravens_scheduled_private_workout_with_kerrigan.html

 

Could the Ravens’ first-round pick have a familiar look about him?

 

The Ravens reportedly will hold a private workout with Purdue pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan next week. Kerrigan’s relentless effort has drawn comparisons to a current Ravens starting linebacker.

 

“He can be like a Jarret Johnson who was at Alabama then came to the Baltimore Ravens and has done a heck of a job,” ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper said. “[Kerrigan has] been disruptive, shedding, stopping the run effectively. If you watch this kid, he was productive week-in and week-out.”

 

Kerrigan has recorded over 12 sacks the past two seasons to make him one of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft. At 6 feet 3, 255 pounds, he doesn’t have the burst of an elite rusher but he uses his stamina to wear down blockers.

 

It'll be interesting whether the Ravens will have a shot at Kerrigan, who was named Most Valuable Player on defense and was named the first consensus All-American at Purdue in the past three decades. He has already met with the Jacksonville Jaguars and will visit the Buffalo Bills later this month.

 

The Ravens are looking to increase their pressure on the quarterback. Take away Terrell Suggs’ production and the Ravens managed 16 sacks in 16 games.

 

Joining the Ravens would mean learning a new position for Kerrigan. He was a defensive end in college, but he would play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Kerrigan participated in drills for defensive ends and linebackers at the NFL combine last month, when he tried to prove to teams he could drop back into coverage.

 

“I think he solidified a first-round grade once he showed the ability to play on his feet,” Kiper said. “Now that he gives you that scheme versatility that makes him more of an attractive first-round pick.”