Baltimore Ravens’ general manager Ozzie Newsome continues to stockpile the franchise with Alabama players. It signed inside linebacker Trey DePriest and free safety Nick Perry as undrafted rookie free agents. Alabama offensive guard Leon Brown becomes the latest addition to the roster. Brown, a former junior college transfer, saw action in 23 games at right guard for the Crimson Tide. He was a part of an offensive line that allowed an average of 1.31 sacks per game in 2013. Brown returned last season, and helped Alabama excel in pass protection.
Brown, who stands at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, is a solid run blocker. He guided Alabama’s running backs to 206.6 rushing yards per game in 2014. The Crimson Tide totaled 35 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. Footwork and mental focus are areas of improvement needed for Brown. He’s inconsistent at times in exploding off the ball and striking quickly with his hands. Brown was a victim of numerous false start and holding penalties last season. It is imperative for him to recognize a quarterback’s cadence (snap count), as well as improve his blocking technique.
Baltimore made room for Brown today, as it released quarterback Keith Wenning, tight end Phillip Supernaw and outside linebacker Darius Allen (rookie free agent). Brown becomes the fifth Alabama player on the Ravens’ roster, joining C.J. Mosley, Courtney Upshaw, Trey DePriest and Nick Perry. The Crimson Tide entered the 2015 NFL Draft with 16 players. Brown is the 15th individual to find an NFL home. Can he get it done at the next level for Baltimore?
Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook and “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
