Right Off Russell

With free agency looming let’s take a look at Ravens who could hit the open market.  Bart Scott has been a starting linebacker for the Ravens since 2005.  In ‘05 and ‘06  Scott was featured more as an outside ‘backer, as the Ravens were running more 4-3 base packages.  The last 2 years have seen Scott shift inside more often alongside Ray Lewis. 

Scott’s tackle and sack #’s have dipped since having career highs in 2006.  That could be more a result of the Raven’s needing Scott to drop into pass coverage more often after the departure of Adalius Thomas.

In college, Scott played both safety and linebacker at So. Illinois, so he has the range and athleticism to do well in pass coverage.  Scott, however, is more gifted as a run stopper.  Although, a bit undersized at 6′2″ 240lbs., he has the toughness, instinct and determination to shut down opposing backs in the run game.  Scott also can be effective using his speed blitzing off the edge.  Witness his 9.5 sacks in ‘06 when he was used more freely as a blitzer from his OLB spot.  He has not been as effective blitzing from his MLB spot over the last 2 years.

Nicknamed the “Madbacker,” Scott is a fiery competitor, who readily admits he has a strong dislike for his opponents even after the game is over.  Bart Scott is the type of athlete that at every level has been told he was not going to be good enough.  He has used that to fuel his desire to become better and become a pro-bowl level linebacker. 

Scott fits right into the Ravens defensive philosophy .  He is not an overwhelming physical talent, but he is tough as nails, never quits on a play and is an instinctive football player who makes plays.   Scott has also probably benefited from having talented players around him on defense, and from playing in a confusing defensive scheme that accentuates the strengths of it’s individual parts.  But he is a bright football player who will fit into another scheme should he leave Baltimore.  Bart is also a good interview, who has dropped a Voltron reference while behind the mic.

Should the “Madbacker” find another home the Ravens have a quartet of young lb’s who should be able to step into his shoes or at least part of them.  The Ravens are very high on Antwan Barnes and Jameel McClain as pass rushers from the lb position.  They also have Prescott Burgess and Tavares Gooden who show more range from the MLB position.  Considering the Ravens other free agents at linebacker, I would not be surprised to see the team go a cheaper route as Scott looks to attract big money from other teams.