Brandon Williams Adds Depth to Revamped D-Line

The Ravens ranked 29th in the NFL against the run in 2012, and its pretty clear that general manager Ozzie Newsome is committed to making sure it doesn't happen again in 2013. He made a point to add some beef to the defensive line this offseason by signing free agents Chris Canty and Marcus Spears, but he also added some more depth through the draft by selecting DT Brandon Williams from Missouri Southern St.

Williams is an experienced player, who started as a freshman before missing his sophomore season due to injury, although he was able to get a medical redshirt. Following his injury, he was voted to the AP Little All-America Team as one of the country's top non-Division 1 players for three straight seasons. At 335 lbs, Williams adds another big body to Baltimore's defensive line. He has a strong upper body and is capable of getting a strong push against opposing offensive lineman. His ability to control the line at the point of attack should be extremely beneficial for the inexperienced ILBs that will surely see a lot of playing time this year, especially rookie Arthur Brown. There is some concern, however, because he didn't play against elite competition in college, but he did show that he is capable of doing so at the Senior Bowl. His speed is also a weakness, as he is rarely able to make plays outside of the tackle box. It is highly doubtful that he will start any games this season, barring an injury, but he will be a valuable asset to the Ravens new defensive line rotation. Personally, I am more that ecstatic that Ozzie has put so much effort into adding more talented players to a defensive line that struggled mightily against the run last season.