The Baltimore Ravens could look to bolster their defensive unit early during the 2021 NFL Draft. While many have pointed to edge rusher as a key defensive hole, Baltimore could look to draft a defensive playmaker who doesn’t fill an immediate need, but can be deployed all over the field.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is an intriguing prospect that can line up at a plethora of positions. He’s listed as a linebacker, but he can also play in the back end as a safety or even in the slot as a nickel cornerback. Owusu-Koramoah is the definition of a chess piece that can be moved all over the board, and Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale would love having a player like him in his defense.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would be the ultimate chess piece for Don Martindale’s defense pic.twitter.com/1OhafGURW6
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) April 28, 2021
Owusu-Koramoah put up 142 total tackles, seven sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries during his two seasons with the Fighting Irish. He often made game-changing plays and was always around the football. He stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 216 pounds, so he has the size to play a few different positions at the next level.
In college, Owusu-Koramoah was extremely physical, punishing ball carriers who tried to challenge him. He plays the game at a high speed and can process things very fast, which is key in the NFL. He also always seems to be in the right place at the right time, which will be very convenient for whichever team drafts him.
Owusu-Koramoah will most likely be off of the board well before Baltimore first picks at No. 27. However, in the event that he does fall, Owusu-Koramoah would represent a best player available selection for the Ravens rather than a pure need pick.