Even before the Ravens took the practice field, Paul Kruger had broken a sweat.
During the team's series of offseason camps in May and June, special teams practice began at about 10:15 a.m. But 30 minutes prior, Kruger joined fellow defensive end-outside linebacker hybrid William VanDeSteeg for a private tutoring session with defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
"It's just an opportunity to get better," Kruger said. "If coach is willing to spend more time with us, that's more time for us to use his teaching tools and just get better. Everybody around here wants to get better, and we have a long way to go. You're here all day anyway, so you might as well just be aggressive and work the whole time."
The extra half-hour of practice was part of the organization's plan to help develop Kruger into the imposing pass rusher the Ravens envisioned when they spent the 57th overall pick in the draft in April to select the Utah standout in the second round. And as rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans report to Ravens training camp today, Kruger has already turned some heads on the team.
"He's an aggressive kid who's very athletic and has good strength," Mattison said. "He just needs a lot of reps. I'm impressed with the way he's picked up the defenses, and that's what one of the big things was, to be able to pick up our system and then refine all of his techniques and see what happens when he plays."
Terrell Suggs did not attend the Ravens' offseason camps while he and the organization reached a six-year, $63 million deal to replace the franchise tag the club had attached to him. That left Kruger, 23, who agreed to a four-year contract Saturday that includes a $1 million signing bonus and $1.5 million in total guaranteed money, as the most immediate beneficiary of Suggs' absence. He split time during the minicamps with outside linebacker Antwan Barnes on the first defensive unit.
It was a surreal experience for Kruger, who will sign his first professional contract today. He could have been spending this summer preparing for his junior year with the Utes.
Instead, he was matching up against massive left tackle Jared Gaither and getting to quarterback Joe Flacco.
"It's a dream come true," Kruger said. "It's been a goal of mine since I can remember. So it's definitely a privilege to be around guys like them. There's top players on every team. I'm fortunate to be on a team where the guys are not only excellent players, but they're also great people. They treat you with respect, and it's a team that I think everyone is proud to be on."
