Ravens Host Mark Anderson

The Baltimore Ravens played host to free agent defensive end Mark Anderson yesterday at The Castle. The team may be looking to bolster the pass rush after the loss of Cory Redding in free agency.

Although the Ravens are still pretty loaded in the pass rushing department with Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee and Sergio Kindle looking to fight for playing time this season, Anderson is an intriguing option.

Anderson has one big thing going for him besides his play on the field in the fact that he went to Alabama. As a matter of fact Anderson was the recipient of the 'Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman' award following his first spring practice. I'm sure he has been on Ozzie's radar for some time. Pairing him with Terrell Suggs could make for a deadly duo... If he can stay on the field.

Anderson was selected with the 159th overall pick (5th round) in the 2006 Despite not being an official starter in the Bears cover two defensive scheme, Anderson thrived in his role as a third-down pass rusher, and during the 2006 regular season he totaled 12 sacks, a Chicago Bears rookie record. Anderson also received consideration in 2006 Defensive Rookie Of The Year, finishing second in the voting to former Alabama teammate, DeMeco Ryans.

He played in all 16 regular season contests gathering 48 tackles to go along with 3 TFLs, 5 QB Hits, 2 PBUs, 4 FFs and 1 FR. Also played in all 3 postseason contests, recording 4 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He combined with Alex Brown for 19 sacks in 2006. Anderson has recorded 4 multiple-sack games in 16 career regular season games played. He registered 0.5 sack in Super Bowl XLI and 1.5 sacks among 4 tackles in 3 postseason contests. He was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the month in October 2006.

Anderson was released by the Bears in 2010 after a few injury marred seasons from which he was unable to return to his previous form. After a short stint in Houston with his former college teammate DeMeco Ryans he signed with the New England Patriots in 2011.

In 2011 with the Patriots, Anderson notched 10 sacks and was the teams best pass rusher. he was used mostly on third downs but his presence was felt on the field. He also had a great game in the Super Bowl with five tackles and 1.5 sacks.

The Ravens do seem to have some more pressing needs at the moment but I'm sure they have a plan for every position. Anderson would be an interesting addition though, at 6'4", 255 lbs.he fits the bill physically. He is still relatively young at 28 he could help take some pressure off of Terrell Suggs for a few more years if he can stay at his current pace. When healthy it seems he can be dominant at times.

What do you think? Does Mark Anderson "play like a Raven?" If he does, will the Ravens let another free agent leave Baltimore without a contract?