The preseason is packed with cowed newbies and out-of-place first-year players, but C.J. Mosley has arrived as advertised for the Baltimore Ravens.
"The best compliment that I can give him is he's been here for months, and it seems like he's been here three years," inside linebackers coach Don "Wink" Martindale said. "He's very instinctive."
Drafted out of Alabama as a plug-and-play starter, the No. 17 overall pick generated a sack and a hurry in four pressures during last week's NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers. Squaring off against a rugged Niners offensive line, Mosley showed innate ability to break into the pocket as an inside rusher.
"He knows there's going to be ups and downs, and he just takes everything level," Martindale said. "We've all been around guys that haven't been able to handle success. This kid's had success in his life and in his career already. So I think he's going to be fine."
Impressed with Mosley's football IQ, the Ravens can feel comfortable about pairing the rookie alongside Daryl Smith on the inside. With Arthur Brown providing speed and depth behind them, Baltimore's D rolls toward September younger and more athletic than last year's version.
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