Arthur Brown to Ravens: How Does Linebacker Fit with Baltimore?

Arthur Brown is the Baltimore Ravens' response to losing Ray Lewis to retirement, Dannell Ellerbe to free agency, the recent arrest of newly signed Rolando McClain and the concerns that Jameel McClain might not return to form after suffering a spinal cord contusion last season.

The Ravens desperately needed an inside linebacker, and Brown could be exactly what Ravens fans have been searching for.

Role

Brown is the exact type of linebacker the Ravens needed to add to their defense.  The team had a plethora of thumping inside linebackers who excelled in run defense but lacked coverage capabilities. 

Now the team has a linebacker who fits in as either a 4-3 middle linebacker or 3-4 inside linebacker who can run with most tight ends and linebackers in the league. 

Brown probably fell in the draft due to his inconsistency in run defense, but he showed flashes to be great there while at Kansas State.  He has good instincts and usually takes good angles, but he can struggle to disengage from bigger offensive linemen. 

In time, he will get stronger and learn how to do this better.  In the meantime, the Ravens beefed up their defensive line with the signings of Chris Canty and Marcus Spears this offseason that should be able to help keep offensive linemen off of Brown. 

Early Projections

Brown will likely start at inside linebacker, or take significant snaps.  The other starter will most likely either be Rolando McClain or Jameel McClain, depending on how the organization decides to deal with Rolando’s off-the-field issues and Jameel’s health issues. 

I suspect Brown will find success early, but he could struggle against teams with power running games.  This might prove to be a problem against Trent Richardson and the Cleveland Browns, as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers and new running back Le’Veon Bell.