Travis Long and the NFL: Baltimore Ravens
By Nick Nordi
Baltimore Ravens
Jan 12 2013; Denver, CO, USA; General view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet before the AFC divisional round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore is a team that has been known for its defense and with names like Courtney Upshaw, Elvis Dumervile, and Terrell Suggs returning this next year it is hard to see the Ravens take an LB. Both Dumervile (7 years) and Suggs (10 years) are getting up there in age so it also could be smart for the Ravens to take a line backer and have them sit under the players they have now and learn for a few years.
The Perfect Storm:
Travis long was not the most athletic line backer in the nation or even in the PAC-12 but he did have more heart than most of the athletes in the PAC-12 and is up there with the rest of the nation. The ravens have also been known for having a lot of heart on their team with players like Ed Reed, Suggs, Rice, and Ray Lewis, whom retired this past season, would allow Long to fit perfectly with them when it comes to that aspect of the game.
To have Long on the team would be greatly beneficial for both Long and the Ravens as they would get a player who is more than willing to go the extra mile and can develop into an even more outstanding player.
Likelihood of Getting Drafted by Ravens:
B, The ravens could take Long deeper in the draft knowing in the back of their mind that he will be able to develop with time into a good solid defensive rock.