The Ravens have had plenty of success drafting "undersized" defenders out of the University of Miami. Just ask Ray Lewis.
This year, another Hurricane could blow into Baltimore in the form of defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., one of the top pass rushers in this year's draft class, who may also be one of the most polarizing.
While some scouts and media members may question Bain's attributes, he has a confidant in Lewis.
"I be talking to Ray all the time. If I can chop it up and pick his mind about film, I'm always trying to call and see," Bain said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Bain had 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in his final junior season at Miami, helping the Hurricanes reach the National Championship game.
However, his 6-foot-2 height and expected 30 ¾-inch arms could draw concerns about his ability to match that production in the NFL when going against long-armed offensive tackles.
Many mock drafts have Bain as a top-10 pick. He could be long gone by the time Baltimore is on the clock at pick No. 14. But the Ravens are accustomed to seeing top defenders with question marks fall into their lap.
It happened with Lewis, who was supposedly too short, and Terrell Suggs, who was deemed too slow, and Kyle Hamilton, whose position versatility was used against him. Bain said the supposed concern about his arm length is a new one.
"People keep bringing that up out of nowhere, but no teams brought it up to me, so I don't bring it up either," Bain said. "As long as I just talk the talk and walk the walk, play with technique, nobody actually cares about it."
There's no question that Bain's film shows a physical player who can affect quarterbacks and be a force against the run. He prides himself on his "hot motor" and versatility.
"I just know that whatever team ends up picking me, [they're] going to get the best out of me, going to get the best player in the draft," Bain said.
"I eat, sleep, and breathe football. That's all I do."
First-Round Defensive Tackle Prospect 'Loves' the Ravens
The Ravens are looking to beef up their defensive line, and Clemson's Peter Woods could be a solution.
Woods said he met with the Ravens, including Head Coach Jesse Minter and Defensive Line Coach Lou Esposito, at the Combine.
"I loved the Ravens," Woods said. "It meant a lot to me. Just very critical, getting better, learning ball, talking ball. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to meet with them. It means a lot to me."
Woods was college teammates with Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins for one season in 2023 and the two still talk often.
"He loves the culture up there and he loves the way that he gets coached hard every day," Woods said. "That's something I'm used to coming from Clemson."
Woods' production dipped some last season with only two sacks in 12 games. He finished with five sacks during his three college seasons. But he's a 6-foot-3 quick-twitch rusher who often saw double teams as Clemson's top defensive threat.
"What's on tape is on tape," Woods said. "One of the best things I do is getting control of a man, assuming he has longer arms than me, and striking him and discarding him."
With Nnamdi Madubuike's football future still in limbo, the Ravens could opt to reenergize their defensive line with a special talent in the first round.
"I think if we have the chance to draft a great defensive tackle, of course we will. It is one of the most important positions in football," General Manager Eric DeCosta said.
Mike Macdonald's Advice for Minter
Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald and Minter have long been friends. Now they're reuniting for the first time at the Combine, both as NFL head coaches.
Macdonald joked that Minter has probably given him more tips than vice versa over the years. With Macdonald coming off a Super Bowl victory in just his second season in Seattle, Minter is hoping to find a formula that will lead to a similar quick rise to the top in Baltimore.
Macdonald was asked about what advice he's shared with Minter as he launches into his first year in charge.
"Just have a clear vision of what you're trying to create. Say, 'Look, this is what I believe in.' Let the team either buy it or sell it and go from there. Trust that if it works, it's the right marriage of people and you're going to be in a great spot," Macdonald said.
"Obviously, he's in a great spot. You see a lot of alignment. I expect Jesse to do great things. I expect them to be right there, and they're going to be a team that we're going to have to contend with."
College Prospects Rave About New Ravens Position Coaches
With several new Ravens position coaches coming from the college ranks, prospects in this year's class have first-hand experience with how they operate.
Duke defensive lineman/linebacker Wesley Williams worked with new Ravens Outside Linebackers Coach Harland Bower.
"He would chase us around the field. I'm not joking, he would grab you up like a puppy and force you to the ball," Williams said. "Effort and grit is a non-negotiable. I think he's going to be great there [in Baltimore]."
