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There's been talk for a while now that Paul Kruger would be better off as a down defensive end than an outside linebacker.
With Kruger getting ready to start his second pro season, it appears that position change might be getting put in motion.
Kruger saw little playing time last year because he was behind three-time Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs at the outside linebacker spot.
Suggs obviously isn't going anywhere for the next few seasons, having signed a six-year, $63 million contract last offseason, so in an effort to get more time, Kruger is planning on bulking up and showing he can play on the D-line.
"I just want to play, and I'll do whatever I have to do to get to that point," Kruger told the Ravens' website. "With Suggs, we have one of the best in the league playing there. I think the coaches and myself are trying to find different ways to get me on the field, so hopefully this works.
"A lot of it is going to be gaining weight where I can play defensive end. There's been some talk of that, so we'll see what happens. I need to keep my speed and get stronger, but putting on some weight is going to be a definite goal."
Kruger checked in at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds last season, but told the team's website he's planning on adding about 10-15 pounds to his frame.
Defensive end wouldn't be new territory for the former Utah star; after all, he played the position in college (after initially starting out as a quarterback), and posted 124 tackles and 10.5 sacks in his two years at D-end.
The change in positions wouldn't just allow Kruger to have a shot at more playing time, however, it would also bolster a suddenly depleted defensive end rotation.
Now that Dwan Edwards has signed a deal with the Bills, the Ravens have few pass rushing options. Trevor Pryce will be a big part of the puzzle, but at 34, it's unclear how much more he has left in the tank.
The Ravens will look to upgrade their depth along the defensive line through the draft, but Kruger potentially making a move to defensive end would be a start.
