Paul Kruger SELECTED BY: Ravens Round 2 (25)

SI Grade 3.75 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: "Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors last season after totals of 61/16.5/7.5 when he also intercepted one pass and broke up seven more. Junior totals included 63/7.5/3 with one interception and five pass defenses. Redshirted at Utah in 2004 and then went on a two-year church mission before returning to the program. Was attacked in January of ?08 without provocation outside a nightclub and suffered severe injuries to his abdomen, which resulted in the removal of one of his kidneys. Born in February of 1986 and will be a 23-year-old rookie."

POSITIVES: "Impact defender and consistently displays himself to be a disruptive force on the field. Breaks down well, plays with excellent balance and rarely off his feet. Effectively uses his hands to ward off blocks, plays with a nasty attitude and works hard until the whistle blows. Flashes power up the field, gets a lot of penetration and attacks ball carriers. Effectively reads the action, quickly changes direction and shows a burst to the play. Fluid moving in every direction of the field and flashes on the scene, playing with a good degree of suddenness. Makes plays in space, pursues the action with speed and constantly around the ball. Displays good first step quickness when lined up in a three-point stance."

NEGATIVES: Struggles getting off blocks and slow to shed once engaged at the point. Has never played against top competition. Did not turn in the athletic workout at the combine that most expected. Will be red flagged by teams because of the fact he has just one kidney.

ANALYSIS: "Kruger is an intense defender who makes plays against the run, in coverage, and as a pass rusher. Kruger plays with a nasty attitude, yet at the same time, he is a disciplined defender. He's not the finished product, but he offers a large degree of upside potential and is worth the investment of a top-75 selection."

PROJECTION: Third Round