BLOG: GM Scouting Report On Bernard Pollard
The Baltimore Ravens have always had a hard hitting defense, and now another guy that can light up running backs is in the fold with Bernard Pollard. At 6'1", 220 pounds, Pollard is a big, physical safety who is comfortable near the line of scrimmage, hitting running backs and blitzing the Quarterback. Pollard has pretty good straight line speed, and is strong in run support. He shows some burst and can lay a good lick. In a division with backs like Peyton Hillis, Rashard Mendenall, and Cedric Benson, his skills in the box will be an asset. The knock on Pollard has always been his ability in pass protection, and the concern is legitimate. Pollard is not smooth in the peddle and is tight in the hips. To be fair, he can make a few plays on balls and can handle a TE in man situations on shorter routes, but he isn't the guy you want deep in the Cover 2.
Despite his shortcomings in pass coverage, I have a feeling that Chuck Pagano is going to find a place for Pollard in this defense. With Pollard, Zbikowski, and Nakamura available to play alongside Ed Reed, Chuck has a few options and should be able to find the right rotation and plug the right guy in based on the situation.
