Paul

Kruger

Once considered a likely early first-round pick, Upshaw showed up to his Pro Day at 279 pounds. The weight reportedly surprised even Upshaw. If he gets his weight under control, this could obviously be a steal for Baltimore. Upshaw will enter camp pushing Paul Kruger for a starting job at strong-side ‘backer.

Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee, and perhaps even Sergio Kindle could be in the mix for more snaps in Suggs’ absence, but King expects Upshaw to be “one of the most significant rookies in the league this year.” The Ravens are still awaiting final word on the extent of Suggs’ injury.

“I watched every one of (Kruger’s) plays from last year ... he did a nice job in coverage, he set the edge well,” Harbaugh said. “I believe Paul can do it. I think he will do it.” Drafted as a linebacker, Kruger actually replaced Johnson in nickel situations down the stretch last season, so the transition shouldn’t be difficult after he played exclusively end in 2010. Kruger notched 5.5 sacks in 2011.

The Ravens’ leading special teams tackler, McClellan also filled in at inside linebacker for one late-season start. McClellan will be the underdog going into camp, as Harbaugh expects Kruger to “rise to the occasion and have a heck of a year.” Sergio Kindle wasn’t mentioned as a candidate for the job.

Jarret Johnson manned that position last year, compiling 56 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three pass breakups. Upshaw has the natural ability to improve on those numbers, but his IDP upside would have been higher if he was asked to fill in for Terrell Suggs (Achilles’). For now, it looks like Paul Kruger will take over that role.

It appears Kruger is getting the first crack at replacing Terrell Suggs’ outside linebacker snaps, with Pernell McPhee probably slated for the majority of Suggs’ defensive end reps. Upshaw, the Ravens’ second-round pick, is lining up as a starter across from WLB Jameel McClain with Ray Lewis in the middle. Kruger and McPhee are both candidates to lead the Ravens in sacks.

Kruger is replacing Terrell Suggs as the first-team “rush” linebacker, and is a popular breakout candidate after spending his first three years as a reserve. This will be the first season of Kruger’s career as an every-down player. He averaged about 20 snaps a game in 2011, recording 15 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

Kruger was a late scratch for Sunday’s game against the Eagles due to stiffness in his back. Rookie Courtney Upshaw started in his place. “I just wasn’t ready,” Kruger said. “I’ll be ready for next week for sure.”

The Ravens are getting thin at the “rush” linebacker spot. Kruger was taking the spot of Terrell Suggs, who is on the PUP list thanks to an Achilles’ tendon tear. Look for rookie Courtney Upshaw to get a big bump in playing time. Other Ravens inactives: WR LaQuan Williams, CB Asa Jackson, T/G Jah Reid, TE Billy Bajema, DE DeAngelo Tyson and DT Byron Hall.

It’s no coincidence that the Ravens have allowed just 14.5 points per during their four-game winning streak. Safety Bernard Pollard compares Kruger’s athleticism to that of Vikings Pro Bowler Jared Allen. “Kruger’s the most natural healthy pass rusher the Ravens have,” said ex-Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah. “He’s got every tool you want to get to the quarterback consistently.” In the final year of his rookie contract, Kruger’s preference is to stay in Baltimore.