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The nose tackle position is vital to any 3-4 defense. The nose tackle holds down the middle of the line and serves as a run-stuffer. The Ravens have two players who will serve in this role with others who can rotate in to fill that position.
Brandon Williams will be the starting nose tackle for the Ravens. Williams had a strong season in 2014, starting 14 games. The 2013 3rd round pick out of Missouri Southern State racked up 47 tackles and two forced fumbles, including six tackles and a sack in the divisional round win over the Steelers. At 6'1 and 335 pounds, Williams is one of the strongest members of the team and more than holds his own in the middle of the Ravens defensive line.
Serving as Williams' backup will be 2015 3rd round pick Carl Davis out of the University of Iowa. A second-team All Big Ten selection, Davis could be one of the Ravens' biggest steals of the draft, as many projected him as an early 2nd round selection. Davis has played well in training camp and the pre-season, grading out as one of the top performers in the Ravens' preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. Davis has also seen some of the most snaps on the team during the preseason.
DeAngelo Tyson can also play the nose tackle position, as well as the defensive tackle position. The 2012 7th round pick is solid at multiple positions along the line, and that versatility may give him an edge when it comes down to making the cut for the 53 man roster. Tyson appeared in 11 games last season, starting four of them. He racked up 21 tackles, a sack, and two fumble recoveries.
The odd man out at this position will be Micajah Reynolds. The former Michigan State lineman has not made a lot of noise during training camp and the pre-season. With several talented individuals ahead of him, Reynolds could be included in the first round of cuts.
With Williams and Davis anchoring the middle of the defensive line, the Ravens should feel confident. Although they are both relatively young, they're very talented and make this position one of the strongest on this year's team.