Another Mock Draft is out and this one by Chad Reuter of the NFL Network has the Baltimore Ravens thrilled for a variety of reasons to see one of their most coveted players on their draft board fall to them at the 29th pick of the first round. Some Mock Drafts have the Ravens taking Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower to learn under the wings of Ray Lewis to ultimately take his spot once he decides to retire.
However, in this Mock Draft on NFL.com, the Ravens will be thrilled to see Hightower's teammate, outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw still available after 28 other teams passed on him. Upshaw is thought to be a top fifteen pick in the draft and the combination of Baltimore losing veteran OLB Jarret Johnson to free agency along with his common roots with Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome make him an option the team just cannot pass on.
Here's what Reuter says about the pick:
"Upshaw's game fits perfectly into the role left behind by free agent Jarret Johnson when he went to San Diego: A strong presence setting the edge against the run who can also rush the passer when given the opportunity."
Unfortunately, it's relatively doubtful that Upshaw will be there that late in the first round. The reality is that he will be long gone before the Ravens turn comes up and the odds are a lot better that Hightower will be there rather than his more acclaimed teammate.