The Importance Of The Five Technique

In a 3-4 scheme, the five technique defensive lineman lines up over the tackles, with the outside linebackers lined up outside those tackles.

Because of that matchup, the five technique lineman is the rarest to find and the hardest to groom. He needs to have the length to combat that of the tackles while having the strength to 2 gap and the quickness and athletic ability to bend the edge if needed.

Chris Canty is the Ravens current five technique and he is 33 and a free agent. Brent Urban is the Ravens backup five technique and he is underdeveloped. Adding a player of elite caliber at that position could bring the defense a step closer to ranking in the oh-so-elusive top five.

Elite five technique and elite defense go hand in hand. The last time the Ravens were considered dominant defensively was in 2011. A 27 year old Haloti Ngata and Cory Redding shared duties at the position. A formidable duo indeed.

This brings us to DeForest Buckner An elite prospect at the position, there stands a decent chance of him being available. Buckner is the prototype, and though he comes in a position group which isn't considered weak by fans, the return on the investment will down the road prove profitable.