NFL Draft 2014: The Ravens choose Alabama inside linebacker C.J. Mosley

Ozzie Newsome goes for the Alabama linebacker to hopefully replace future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis. Congratulations to both Mosley and the Ravens on a great selection, the first inside linebacker chosen since Ray Lewis was selected back in 1996.

C.J. Mosley was often looked at as a possible top 10 pick in this year's draft so it is unexpected that he dropped as far as he did, much less all the way down to the Ravens at #17. Mosley is a player that can play inside in a 4-3 scheme and outside in a 3-4 scheme and still be a Pro Bowl caliber player in both positions.

Mosley is a fast, lean linebacker with great football instincts and a great football IQ that should be an immediate player on a top defense with the Ravens. With injuries to his elbow, hip and shoulder, he was slowed down a great deal at Alabama but still led the team and earned himself the Butkus Award as the Nation's top linebacker. As a film junkie and respected leader on the Crimson Tide team, he should do well to fit the mold of departed linebacker Ray Lewis.

Welcome to Baltimore Mr. Mosley. You have large shoes to fill but I'm sure that you'll do quite well and live up to your pick.

Come back to Baltimore Beatdown for more insight on the Ravens' pick and some analysis on the type of player that the Ravens have added to their team.