The Ravens went defense again in the fourth round, selecting defensive end Brent Urban out of Virginia.
They've now taken two defensive linemen, along with Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan in the second round. Four of their top five picks have been on the defensive side of the ball.
"We feel like we're getting a potential starter down the road as a five-technique [defensive end]," Director of College Scouting Joe Hortiz said of Urban.
General Manager Ozzie Newsome said the Ravens started talking about Urban in their war room during the second round. So they were thrilled to get him in the fourth.
Urban's size is what stands out most. He tips the scales at a whopping 6-foot-7, 295 pounds and has hardly any body fat. He's in the mold of another former Virginia Cavalier and Raven, defensive end Chris Canty (6-7, 317).
"He's a guy that we really liked throughout the whole process," Hortiz said. "Starting in the fall, scouts went in there just recognizing the size of him. … He's put together, he's chiseled."
Urban is a Toronto native who was a late comer to football. He played basketball and hockey in his first two years of high school before moving to football. He grew up idolizing former Philadelphia Flyers hockey player Eric Lindros, but Urban ultimately realized he didn't have a future in the sport.
"I was definitely the biggest guy and I'd get a lot of penalties that a smaller guy wouldn't have gotten," Urban said. "I've only been playing football at a high level since I got in at UVA. So I think there's definitely a lot of years of growth in me."
Urban was gifted enough to get a scholarship at Virginia. His career was marred by injuries, however, masking his athleticism and leading to a slide in the draft.
He tore his left ACL in the spring of 2010, then played through a wrist injury for much of 2011. He dealt with a high ankle sprain for much of 2013, which also forced him out of the Senior Bowl early.
Urban had surgery on his ankle in early February. He said his expected return is late-May, early June. He expects to be ready for training camp.
In 2013, Urban fought through the injuries and still started eight games (missing four) and totaled 40 tackles with one sack and an NCAA-high nine batted passes. Urban gets good push and can deflect passes with his height.
Virginia often used him as a spy defensive end instead of sending him after the quarterback, which didn't allow him many opportunities to show his pass rush. His ankle also slowed him down.
The Ravens will likely immediately use Urban to try to block kicks and punts on special teams. He could also be used as a nickel pass rusher during his rookie season while the coaches try to improve his technique. Canty is a technician who can also help mold Urban.
"He's a raw pass rusher," Hortiz said. "He's got the physical traits, in terms of the burst, speed and quickness. He's going to have to develop his hand play and pad level. The potential is there to give you an inside pass-rush presence."
