**Ryan McBean** played nose tackle last year, but he's not built like one.
McBean is 6-foot-5, 305 pounds. Terrence Cody, for example, is 6-4, 349.
Thus, in Baltimore, McBean is utilizing his unique size and experience to add more flexibility to the Ravens' front line.
"I'm able to move around and have fun out there," McBean said at the conclusion of last week's minicamp.
McBean made a career-high 33 tackles last year. For the first time in his career, he showed some pass-rush prowess. He notched four sacks after not having a single one in 31 prior games.
The Ravens are looking to tap into that, and combine it with McBean's natural run-stuffing abilities.
Baltimore has lined him up at defensive tackle in a four-man front, and some at nose tackle, but mostly as a 3-4 defensive end with Art Jones. McBean has flashed natural quickness and the* *strength to get into the backfield.
McBean called former Broncos teammate Elvis Dumervil, a two-time Pro Bowler who had 9.5 sacks last year, to give him tips on playing defensive end. McBean also played defensive end in high school, so he's drawing* *from that experience too.
"It's a lot different, but it's something I know I'll enjoy and love," McBean said. "It's a team defense here. It's not really set up for one guy. Everybody could possibly be open with any type of defense here. It's a great scheme. I'm enjoying it."
McBean, who was signed in early May, will have to serve a three-game suspension once the season begins.
But thus far, he's made a strong case to make the active roster despite the prospect of missing time. He's competing with Jones, rookie DeAngelo Tyson, veteran Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Bryan Hall.
"I'm doing well," McBean said. "There's some room for improvements, but I'm happy with where I'm at at the moment."
