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Could Georgia LB Alec Ogletree Be The Next Dannell Ellerbe

The Ravens signed Georgia LB Dannell Ellerbe as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2009 season after the Bulldogs defensive standout had both on and off the field issues that dropped his draft status.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome found another diamond in the rough when the team signed Georgia LB Dannell Ellerbe in 2009. The Bulldog was coming off a knee linjury as well as off the field issues that took a guy who may have been a mid-round pick and sent him plummeting to undrafted.

However, the Ravens saw potential as well as the incredible opportunity to have Ellerbe mentored by the best in the game under Ray Lewis. Ellerbe had a good rookie season then found his way into head coach John Harbaugh's doghouse. Even though he has gotten out of that doghouse, injuries hampered hm although he was easily the teams second best linebacker behind Lewis.

Now a similar scene seems to be unfolding at Dannell's alma mater in current Bulldog Alec Ogletree. At one time, Ogletree was thought to be among the best inside backers in the country and perhaps even a mid-late first round draft pick.

However, due to a recent arrest on a DUI charge reported on ProFottballTalk.com, Ogletree is probably watching his draft stock drop faster than a poor performing Wall Street stock.. Once again, a Georgia linebacker with promise is letting immaturity and poor decision-making affect the earnings potential that might have been measured in millions and now could drop to "only" the hundred thousands.

If Ogletree is available t the 32nd pick when the Ravens are on the clock, could they consider taking the troubled player and lining up next to another Bulldog who could show him the way from the same experience? Or could the Ravens trade back into the early second round, accumulate additional picks and still grab Alec in the same manner that they ended up getting Alabama LB Courtney Upshaw in the 2012 NFL Draft?

Either way, Ogletree's misfortunes will probably end up costing him money, yet saving his future NFL bosses a bunch of theirs and giving them an excellent value for his services.