Ravens top 5 first round targets in the 2020 NFL Draft

Out of a hybrid 3-4 defense, Baltimore is losing both of their primary nose tackles in Michael Pierce and Domata Peko. Current interior defensive line star Brandon Williams has the size to shift to the 1 technique, but Baltimore will need to fill in their void within the interior defensive line.

Javon Kinlaw is a unique defensive tackle prospect in the 2020 NFL draft who has extreme explosiveness off of the snap and the ability to get downhill quickly. Against the run, Kinlaw needs improvement in holding his ground and covering running lanes, but that will come with time and growth. Kinlaw is an interior lineman who can contribute in the pass-rush day one and disrupt the pocket, providing easy sacks for edge rushers.

Kinlaw is more fit as a defensive tackle at the 3 technique in a 4-3 defensive scheme but will fit well as a 3-4 defensive end still at the 3 technique. In a 3-4 defense, the goal of your interior linemen is to hunker down in the A & B gaps and prevent the inside running game.

The addition of Kinlaw could turn this concept on its head, adding a pass-rushing presence on the interior to a defense that already has the size to match up against the run.