The Harbaugh brothers have joined forces once again.
Baltimore bolstered its defensive line with its first pick in the third round, selecting Michigan defensive end Chris Wormley at pick No. 74.
Wormley is 6-foot-5, 298 pounds and a pure, tough football player that fits the Ravens' DNA.
It's no surprise that he was of interest to the Ravens considering he comes from Michigan, where he was coached by Head Coach John Harbaugh's brother, Jim. The two brothers exchanged a lot of information on Michigan's many prospects in this year's draft.
"He was one of the guys that Jim felt very strongly about," John Harbaugh said.
"He believes in him as a player, believes in him as a guy. We talked about a lot of guys, so it was one of about 14 guys we talked about, but he really thought very highly of him. I don't think we would have taken him if he didn't."
The Ravens drafted Michigan defensive tackle Willie Henry in the fourth round of last year's draft. This year, Baltimore grabbed its first Wolverine one round earlier (there are still more available).
Wormley has a little familiarity with John Harbaugh, who spoke to the Michigan team before it took on the Maryland Terrapins a couple of years ago. Wormley has also talked to Henry about Harbaugh.
"Hopefully it's similar," Wormley said. "I was used to Coach Harbaugh at Michigan for the last two seasons. Hard work and success. Hopefully, the other Coach Harbaugh has the same values and mindset."
Wormley stands out from the other Michigan prospects. Jim Harbaugh named Wormley the team's Defensive Lineman of the Year the past two seasons, in which he notched a combined 23.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.
Wormley had 119 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks during his career, showing very high production.
The three-year starter has great size but also great movement and agility for a player of his size. He can play multiple positions on the defensive line. He has good technique, is strong at the point of attack, and can block kicks on special teams.
"[The Ravens are getting] a guy that's hard working," Wormley said. "The Ravens are known for their defense, so I'm going to be that defensive player they can count on. I can make big plays and be there for a long time hopefully."
The Ravens envision Wormley stepping into their five-technique defensive line slot, putting him in competition with sophomore Bronson Kaufusi, who was a third-round pick a year ago, and Brent Urban for a starting role. The Ravens lost starting five-technique defensive end Lawrence Guy in free agency (New England Patriots).
General Manager Ozzie Newsome said Wormley can also slide inside in pass-rush situations to give the Ravens more push inside. That should help offset some of the interior rush lost in the trade of defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan to the Philadelphia Eagles. Wormley's draft spot was the one the Ravens gained in the trade with the Eagles for Jernigan.
Wormley said he had an inkling the Ravens could choose him. He had lunch with Baltimore Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen before his pro day.
"I'm super excited to be a part of the organization and super excited to get started," Wormley said.
