Ravens Select DE Za'Darius Smith, RB Javorius "Buck" Allen, CB Tray Walker In The 4th Round Of NFL Draft
With their 3 picks in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft the Ravens selected Kentucky DE Za'Daruis Smith (122), USC RB Javorius "Buck" Allen (125) & Texas Southern CB Tray Walker (136 Compensatory Pick).
DE Za'Darius Smith
Considering he didn't play the sport until 2010, Smith is a terrific transformation story, cutting his teeth at the JUCO level before impressing for two seasons in the SEC (despite not earning All-SEC honors either season). He has a NFL frame and wingspan with heavy hands to set the edge and bully blockers, but needs work with his technique to better maximize his physical tools.
STRENGTHS: Tall, long and broad-shouldered with solid build on his frame, looking the part of a NFL defensive end. Initial burst out of his stance to win the edge and surprise blockers with quickness. Core power and length to set the edge with heavy hands and upper body strength to shock blockers at the point of attack.
WEAKNESSES: Adequate initial quickness to run the arc, but needs to better control his momentum. Wild pursuit angles, struggling to stop his momentum on a dime and redirect at full speed. Has some stiff, rigid movements in space.
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RB Javorius "Buck" Allen
"Buck" Allen entered the 2013 season with just six carries to his credit but emerged as Southern Cal's most dependable back, eclipsing the 100-yard mark four times and scoring a total of 12 touchdowns in their final six games.
STRENGTHS: Well-built back with good overall musculature, including thick thighs. Exhibits controlled aggression as a runner, showing the burst to zip through holes and the patience to allow them to develop. Possesses deceptive power and acceleration due to his slashing running style.
WEAKNESSES: Possesses a high-cut frame with long legs, giving defenders a sizeable target. Lacks ideal balance, struggling to regain his momentum if tripped up.
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CB Tray Walker
The Miami native closed out his Texas Southern career with 41 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and four passes broken up as a senior.
STRENGTHS: Excellent size for the position, with good experience that includes 29 starts over the past three seasons. Played press coverage with the ability to redirect receivers off the line to disrupt their routes.
WEAKNESSES: Clear level of competition concerns. Lacks elite recovery speed. Raw working against polished route-runners and will face a steep learning curve to stick on a roster.
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