Welcome to Baltimore, Kamalei Correa Round 2 Pick 42

[GrimCoconut]

41 minutes ago, The Raven said:

I mentioned this in another thread, but I'll bring it up here. There's a lot of big talk about a real change to a 4-3 this year. What do you think of Correa filling the Von Miller role as base linebacker and nickel pass rusher? I don't think he's big enough to set the edge as an OLB in a 3-4. He's too small and not strong. He seems fast enough to play 4-3 backer. Could you see him as a Sam backer, playing end on third down?

I can see us using him as a SAM, especially in a 4-3 Under close to the LOS where he can get a free release on the QB using his speed and first step. I think he can play OLB, though, but he absolutely must get stronger. 

3 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Yea he's been spoken of as a really good player with great potential. I think he's flown below the radar a bit because nobody watching Boise lol.

It's so hard to watch them. If you can find a game, they end up doing dumb things with their defensive personnel where they have Correa playing CB at times. I mean, really? CB? Wow. I just couldn't believe that when I saw them put him at CB. It seems like such a waste of talent and skill. That's why his production was so low. Then again, the times he did rush the QB it was a bit hit or miss, but that's because of his hand usage. He has strong and powerful hands but doesn't seem to know how to use them. I also question his instincts, but they seem decent. 

[sflegend89]

You know what, I really dug up all the footage I could find on this kid and I like the pick way more than I did yesterday. This wasn't a great year for edge rushers and I think Correa has the quickest first step off the LOS in the entire draft (Although he's obviously not nearly as well rounded as Bosa in other areas). Higher motor than Spence, I do think Correa is the better prospect now. After really spending more time only on the edge rushers I think Floyd and Spence were very overrated. Spence deserved to go where he did, Correa and Dodd easily could've been a late 1st, and Floyd went WAYYYYY too high. To me Floyd was the most overrated out of all of them in relation to where he was picked.

 

Correa reminds me a lot of Shane Ray from 2015, similar size/body type, Ray's arms are a little longer but Correa timed better than him in both the shuttle drills which leads you to believe he's more agile and changes direction better. I still think Myles Jack was the right pick but I'm a fan of Correa now.

[Ravensfan23]

20 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

I can see us using him as a SAM, especially in a 4-3 Under close to the LOS where he can get a free release on the QB using his speed and first step. I think he can play OLB, though, but he absolutely must get stronger. 

It's so hard to watch them. If you can find a game, they end up doing dumb things with their defensive personnel where they have Correa playing CB at times. I mean, really? CB? Wow. I just couldn't believe that when I saw them put him at CB. It seems like such a waste of talent and skill. That's why his production was so low. Then again, the times he did rush the QB it was a bit hit or miss, but that's because of his hand usage. He has strong and powerful hands but doesn't seem to know how to use them. I also question his instincts, but they seem decent. 

He definitely has room to grow and become more consistent. I feel NFL coaching will help because from what I hear this kid has no problem working. 

[flynismo]

1 hour ago, The Raven said:

I mentioned this in another thread, but I'll bring it up here. There's a lot of big talk about a real change to a 4-3 this year. What do you think of Correa filling the Von Miller role as base linebacker and nickel pass rusher? I don't think he's big enough to set the edge as an OLB in a 3-4. He's too small and not strong. He seems fast enough to play 4-3 backer. Could you see him as a Sam backer, playing end on third down?

I think he was born to play as a Sam. That would be ideal for him.

But while he may be undersized for a 34 OLB, he can still bring a strong pass rush as well as solid coverage in that role. This is so cliche of me to say, but he really is greater than the sum of his parts; his measurables are only part of his story.

[Static]

I can tell by his tape that he is still learning the game. He is far from a finished product. Which IMO is a good thing , he has a lot of room to grow.

 

The fact that he has yet to shaped means he could put at a lot positions. I hope he is put at the one he'll be best at not a position just to fill a hole.

[usmccharles]

I don't know much about this guy,  but I trust Oz and company. I think Dodd would have been our pick sadly.  Now I have to hear it from my best friends who is a titans fan. .. And his last name is dodd

[JoeyFlex5]

3 hours ago, izvoodoo said:

Hand in the dirt everytime for sure

 

He is by far most effective edge rushing from off the ball. Line him up wide, give him a step behind the 5T, watch him fly past the edge either creating separation for your 5T or he wins the corner. 

 

Anyway.. He needs to bulk up but he plays with a hard nose and another 10 lbs will make this guy a bully, and he could stand to get a bit lighter on his feet so he can bend more effectively, but clearly the most concerning aspect is his inconsistent hand usage. The hardest problem to fix here would be packing on weight, but he's a Polynesian and isn't the most defined guy in terms of muscle, so I really dont think 10 lbs would be difficult nor would it sap his burst. Everything else is extremely coachable for an extremely coachable kid. 

 

Also, with a full time 43 the 10lbs might be totally moot since he's the perfect weight for a 43 rushing OLB. 

 

The more I look at this pick the more I think we found a long term home run. He might take a little time to catch fire but I think we found a future starter and game changer. Not to mention we knocked rounds 4 and 5 out of the park thanks to the trades. 

 

Ravens killed this draft, it may take until year 2 to pay real dividends but long term I think we look back on this class as a special one.

[usmccharles]

11 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

 

The more I look at this pick the more I think we found a long term home run. He might take a little time to catch fire but I think we found a future starter and game changer. Not to mention we knocked rounds 4 and 5 out of the park thanks to the trades. 

How much of this happens just because its the guy we drafted thought?

[Ravensfan23]

3 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

How much of this happens just because its the guy we drafted thought?

How much of the dislike of the pick stem from lack of really knowing who the kid is? 

I think it's a bit of both sides honestly. You have some guys who fly off the wall in anger because they don't know the kid and it was a bigger name available, but then actually spend time watching him and reading up on him, then they start liking the pick. He's the same kid whether he was selected by the Ravens or not, we're just paying more attention to him now. 

[usmccharles]

Just now, Ravensfan23 said:

How much of the dislike of the pick stem from lack of really knowing who the kid is? 

I think it's a bit of both sides honestly. You have some guys who fly off the wall in anger because they don't know the kid and it was a bigger name available, but then actually spend time watching him and reading up on him, then they start liking the pick. He's the same kid whether he was selected by the Ravens or not, we're just paying more attention to him now. 

Yea i agree with what your saying, i was just playing devils advocate.  I dont know much about the guy like you said, i found it odd we passed on Alexander.  But my point, if he was selected by the Steelers, would people still like the kid?  Kind of a catch 22, because if he was selected by the Steelers, i doubt any of us would be looking into him. 

[JoeyFlex5]

26 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

How much of this happens just because its the guy we drafted thought?

If that's the case I suppose it's better than relentlessly bashing the kid just because he wasn't who WE personally wanted. 

 

But to answer your question, it plays a small part, because I have faith in the FO and coaching staff to make this kid special. He steps on the field as the most explosive guy in the front seven on day one. Its a good starting point I'd say, being a coachable and tough player makes it all the more appealing.

[usmccharles]

1 minute ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

If that's the case I suppose it's better than relentlessly bashing the kid just because he wasn't who WE personally wanted. 

 

But to answer your question, it plays a small part, because I have faith in the FO and coaching staff to make this kid special. He steps on the field as the most explosive guy in the front seven on day one. Its a good starting point I'd say, being a coachable and tough player makes it all the more appealing.

Yea i was just playing devils advocate, i always look for your breakdown, you make him sound very intriguing.   I wont bash any of these players as they worked extremely hard to get her and i dont know enough about any of them.  i know who i wanted...but that doesnt correlate to production

[Ravensfan23]

7 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Yea i agree with what your saying, i was just playing devils advocate.  I dont know much about the guy like you said, i found it odd we passed on Alexander.  But my point, if he was selected by the Steelers, would people still like the kid?  Kind of a catch 22, because if he was selected by the Steelers, i doubt any of us would be looking into him. 

Right if he were draft by the Steelers there would be no need to research the kid. In most cases you're just hoping they kid isn't good. For example I loved the Browns first 4 picks last season. Sheldon, Cam Evring and Duke Johnson was lights out for me. I'm a huge FSU fan so I know Cam and saw Duke a ton, hate the browns but loved those picks. However I can't tell you what any one of those players have done in the NFL because there's no reason for me to follow them as a Ravens fan. 

Hell I've gone to bat for the likes of Marlon Brown and David Reed simply because I've seen so much from those guys in terms of potential. However if they were on the Steelers I probably would have been written them off. So Correa being a Raven now and you wanting him to succeed definitely helps people warm up. 

[JoeyFlex5]

3 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Yea i was just playing devils advocate, i always look for your breakdown, you make him sound very intriguing.   I wont bash any of these players as they worked extremely hard to get her and i dont know enough about any of them.  i know who i wanted...but that doesnt correlate to production

I wanted Spence myself but he isn't the world beater everyone makes him out to be and I think correa certainly has the higher ceiling, even if he has more work to do to progress to that point. 

[Cillmatic]

5 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I wanted Spence myself but he isn't the world beater everyone makes him out to be and I think correa certainly has the higher ceiling, even if he has more work to do to progress to that point. 

What do you see in Correa that you don't see in Spence?

[JoeyFlex5]

10 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

What do you see in Correa that you don't see in Spence?

A hard nose. More explosiveness. Doesn't bend as well and needs work on his hands but I see a good player

[allblackraven]

I feel like KC vs Noah Spence discussion is pointless. Very different players who will not have the same job in the NFL. How we drafted, I think it's clear we're not going to run much base 3-4, where Spence would be way more useful than as 43 DE. And KC will roam through defense, he isn't going to be predominantly edge rusher for us.

Edited May 1, 2016 by allblackraven

[Cville-Raven]

He's still like 20 which is great when the guy has so much room to grow from a strength and technique standpoint.

Edited May 1, 2016 by Cville-Raven

[GrimCoconut]

57 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I wanted Spence myself but he isn't the world beater everyone makes him out to be and I think correa certainly has the higher ceiling, even if he has more work to do to progress to that point. 

Spence has the higher floor and Correa has a higher ceiling but only because Correa is more athletic. Spence is more refined right now, I would say, in terms of his technique. If he's smart, then he should be able to pick up technique and learn. Boise State isn't the best for learning technique as a pass rusher. DeMarcus Lawrence was good but even he needed some work. He should get that here--hopefully. Spence should contribute day 1 as a DPR, but he may never be more than that. He could, but may not. 

51 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

What do you see in Correa that you don't see in Spence?

He's [Correa] more athletic than Spence. Correa is also more versatile in that he was used in coverage and seems to care about setting the edge. I don't see the same type of hunger from Correa that I saw from Spence in getting to the QB, but that doesn't mean a lot. I didn't watch a ton of Boise State games because they're hard to come by and on top of it, Correa had fewer attempts to rush the QB than Spence. I am sure of this without even looking into the stats or details. Correa also has stronger hands and bends the edge better because he is more athletic. 

40 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

A hard nose. More explosiveness. Doesn't bend as well and needs work on his hands but I see a good player

I'd say Spence may be a tad bit more explosive but I think Correa closes faster with his feet. There is a difference but Correa can close to the QB fast with his feet and knows how to close space in a hurry because of the steps he takes are large. I think Spence may be a little more instinctive than Correa, but I could be wrong there. I haven't watched as many games on Correa as I have Spence.

32 minutes ago, allblackraven said:

I feel like KC vs Noah Spence discussion is pointless. Very different players who will not have the same job in the NFL. How we drafted, I think it's clear we're not going to run much base 3-4, where Spence would be way more useful than as 43 DE. And KC will roam through defense, he isn't going to be predominantly edge rusher for us.

I think they are more similar than given credit and would have had a similar role. Everyone I heard from said that Spence was perfect as a 3-4 OLB, and I agreed with that even before I heard it on TV yesterday. I think that Spence is a little small for the 4-3 DE and I think that Correa is also small and needs to add more weight before he can manage to hold up there. 

4 minutes ago, Cville-Raven said:

He's still like 20 which is great when the guy has so much room to grow from a strength and technique standpoint.

That's true. He is younger than Spence. I believe Correa is born in 1995 and Spence is born 1994? Not sure, but I think that's right. 

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

On ‎4‎/‎30‎/‎2016 at 8:33 PM, flynismo said:

Unlike most, I loved this pick. People always talk about "X-player was born to be a Raven". He is one of those guys

what in particular is it that makes him born to be a raven.

I did not like the pick but im open to persuasion. I want to like it, but my heart was set on Spence or Jack. Both were available which makes it even harder for me...

I like the player, just not the value. Definitely don't see the "instant coffee" we were supposedly targeting, or the 1st rounder this was supposed to be. think he needs to add at least 10 lbs, but preferably 20-25 lbs to really hold up as an NFL edge rusher... unless the plan is to use him more like a 4-3 olb. And if not, no way hes adding that much functional weight before training camp.

[JoeyFlex5]

Grim I would definitely agree that he closes faster. I think he CAN be more explosive than Spence and he may have the fastest first step in the draft, it's not as consistently fast as Spence though. But when correa knows he's pinning his ears back to get the qb and he times it well, it is a sight to see, he can really fly off the ball, he's just gotta do it more consistently because on some snaps he just isn't as impressive as other snaps. You mentioned though what I think is his most impressive asset and that is closing speed, when he gets a lane it's all over, he can get from the line to a fully dropped qb in the blink of an eye when a lane opens up.

[KBoum]

10 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Grim I would definitely agree that he closes faster. I think he CAN be more explosive than Spence and he may have the fastest first step in the draft, it's not as consistently fast as Spence though. But when correa knows he's pinning his ears back to get the qb and he times it well, it is a sight to see, he can really fly off the ball, he's just gotta do it more consistently because on some snaps he just isn't as impressive as other snaps. You mentioned though what I think is his most impressive asset and that is closing speed, when he gets a lane it's all over, he can get from the line to a fully dropped qb in the blink of an eye when a lane opens up.

The potential I see from Correa is crossing delayed blitz with Correa behing a 4 men front man if he comes untouched he flies like a rocket he's going to destroy a few QBs. Some QBs will throw undernearth and Young will get is hands on the ball boom I see the patern there interesting.

 

You have Suggs/Jernigan/Henry/ZDS/Doom/Kaufusi/Judon/Mosley/Correa ..... add some twist and stuns and crossing A-Gap blitz from Mosley and Correa thats scary QBs have to be accurante under pressure against zone schemes. I mean Josh Norman is a very good player but a good pass rush helps a zone corner A LOT and thats why a team don't want to invest lots of money in a zone corner as much as a man corner

Edited May 1, 2016 by KBoum

[757RavensFan]

23 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

So I'm starting to understand the dislike for Correa, he's not a popular name. So let's get the hype train going. Because clearly having a big name means you'll be a stud

Mayock had the "project" possibly going 32 to the Browns or even late first round

Mike Mayock

Mel Kiper had him going 27th to the Packers.

"A high-energy speedster coming off the edge looks great on this defense, and the more you watch Correa, the more you see the potential for him to help a pass-rush right away. He can take some pressure off Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers."

Clay Mathews comparison

"Team executives have been comparing Correa to All-Pro Clay Matthews in style and substance. Both measure 6-3 and 240 pounds. Both have lined up at various defensive front seven spots in college and both play with a vicious attitude. In addition to a very good Combine workout, Correa is receiving high grades for his interviews. There’s now a belief the Boise State junior will land in the bottom half of the first round." Tony Pauline- Eagles

That's just some of what I've been seeing on him. Charles Davis said he was given a tip on Correa to watch the tape and really enjoyed it. This plus the late buzz on him leads me to believe that the real evaluation on him probably didn't start until the combine. Him being a Junior and nobody really paying attention to Boise might have landed the Ravens a top talent at #42. They've clearly done their homework.

Great find. Unfortunately, it wont change opinions of some of the "doubting Thomas" in the forum until he actually plays.  You would think he would be received with open arms. But ignorance is bliss!

[Ravensfan23]

2 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

Great find. Unfortunately, it wont change opinions of some of the "doubting Thomas" in the forum until he actually plays.  You would think he would be received with open arms. But ignorance is bliss!

Honestly I'd love it if judgment would be reserved until we see these guys play good or bad. But people seem to have the ability to see how a guy's career will be based off of never even having a NFL practice yet. 

[flynismo]

13 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

what in particular is it that makes him born to be a raven.

I did not like the pick but im open to persuasion. I want to like it, but my heart was set on Spence or Jack. Both were available which makes it even harder for me...

I like the player, just not the value. Definitely don't see the "instant coffee" we were supposedly targeting, or the 1st rounder this was supposed to be. think he needs to add at least 10 lbs, but preferably 20-25 lbs to really hold up as an NFL edge rusher... unless the plan is to use him more like a 4-3 olb. And if not, no way hes adding that much functional weight before training camp.

What makes him a Raven? He is absolutely relentless. You do not know the meaning of the phrase "play to the whistle" until you see this guy. A non-stop motor, he only has one speed, and that is 100% at all times. I loved Jarrett Johnson, but you will never see this kid huffing and puffing and dragging himself around the field trying to stay on his feet, much less make a play. He is tough as hell, and plays and fights bigger than any other LB on this team, other than maybe Suggs.

The raw talent is there for him to be a great player. It's his demeanor and mentality on the field that is going to make you love him and realize why he was born to be a Raven.

[GrimCoconut]

4 minutes ago, flynismo said:

What makes him a Raven? He is absolutely relentless. You do not know the meaning of the phrase "play to the whistle" until you see this guy. A non-stop motor, he only has one speed, and that is 100% at all times. I loved Jarrett Johnson, but you will never see this kid huffing and puffing and dragging himself around the field trying to stay on his feet, much less make a play. He is tough as hell, and plays and fights bigger than any other LB on this team, other than maybe Suggs.

The raw talent is there for him to be a great player. It's his demeanor and mentality on the field that is going to make you love him and realize why he was born to be a Raven.

Lol, for a minute I had to check the thread because I thought you were talking about Bronson Kaufusi. I see this in Bronson. 

[flynismo]

15 hours ago, usmccharles said:

How much of this happens just because its the guy we drafted thought?

Because he is spot on in his opinion. I absolutely LOVE this pick, and the player, but I will be the first to say that his rookie year, he wont be much more than a pass rush specialist. He needs a full season to get some NFL coaching under his belt and work on his techniques and possibly even develop some new moves, depending how fast he comes along. He's obviously doing his due diligence and watching and learning about this kid, because every time I see him post, he gets more and more excited over him. Like I said yesterday, it will only take a few games of watching him play before people come around and see what a terrific and exciting player we just got.

[flynismo]

8 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

Lol, for a minute I had to check the thread because I thought you were talking about Bronson Kaufusi. I see this in Bronson. 

Absolutely. I did not know much about him (Bronson), so I've been trying to watch him play. My first impressions are very much the same on Bronson as KC.

I had us taking KC in the 3rd in my mock, and that's only because I thought he was an under the radar type guy and guys like Spence and Dodd who got more exposure would push him back there. Talent / potential wise, I think we took him exactly where he ranks. Actually, a little below where he ranks.

Edited May 1, 2016 by flynismo

[Ravensfan23]

3 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

Lol, for a minute I had to check the thread because I thought you were talking about Bronson Kaufusi. I see this in Bronson. 

I don't think that can be overlooked. There seems to be backlash at the Ravens for choosing high character and guys that fit what they want, but isn't that the point?

I can't speak for other teams but the Ravens truly believe in Tue Play Like A Raven mantra. So they are gonna draft guys who they feel fit that. The same traits can be found in most of the draft picks especially defensively. Tough, violent, passionate, relentless etc. We as fans focus on talent only most times, but the team takes into account so much more. 

[ravensnick]

Really happy about this pick. Correa may be the best pure pass rusher. He will immediately bolster our 3rd down rush. He need to gain weight and grow as a player to be a starter, but I think he can do it. Correa is extremely high motor and goes after it every play. He was a tad better his junior year but he possess great athleticism. He fits our scheme better than Spence as well. He fits perfectly in our multiple defense. Correa can play 3-4 OLB, 4-3 DE, or in a little ILB. He could bust, but he has the talent, work ethic, and character to be a future star. 

Edited May 1, 2016 by ravensnick