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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - Ravens land second-rounder Kruger

Deal includes $1 million signing bonus
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Ravens land second-rounder Kruger Ravens land second-rounder Kruger

OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens struck a four-year deal with second-round draft pick Paul Kruger on Saturday night that includes a $1 million signing bonus and $1.5 million in total guaranteed money, according to NFL Players Association records.

The former University of Utah defensive end-outside linebacker's deal hasn't been signed yet, but will likely be finalized today.

The Ravens confirmed that Kruger will sign his contract and report to training camp on Monday when rookies, quarterbacks and selected veterans are scheduled to arrive in Westminster.

"It's great to get the second-rounder done," Ravens vice president of football administration Pat Moriarty said. "Now, we'll focus on getting Michael Oher to camp on time."

Drafted in the first round with the 23rd overall pick, Oher, an offensive tackle from Ole Miss, is the Ravens' only remaining unsigned draft pick.

Kruger's signing bonus represents an 11.1 percent increase over the $900,000 signing bonus that Green Bay Packers quarterback Brian Brohm received last year as the 56th overall selection under a four-year, $2.605 million deal.

Kruger was drafted 57th overall.

The total maximum value of Kruger's deal could be boosted significantly if he triggers a fourth-year escalator clause of $1.308 million or equal to the low restricted tender in 2012.

Kruger lined up with the first-string defense during minicamps in Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs' absence.

As a redshirt sophomore last year, Kruger was named All-Mountain West Conference for the second time as he led the Utes with 7 1/2 sacks to go with 16 1/2 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and an interception.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder declared early for the draft after registering 124 career tackles, 10 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Kruger was originally recruited to play quarterback, but switched to defense following a two-year church mission.

"I'm a guy who loves to play with emotion, and so one of the major things that I think I can contribute is a lot of effort, a lot of intensity," Kruger said after being drafted. "I feel like I'm talented and strong, and I have all the physical attributes as well."

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.


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  • 5/24/12: Give 100% of what you've got everyday in every way...except of course if you are at the blood bank...
  • 5/24/12: @ThundercatJay Way too soon to tell. Practices are in shorts and far from game speed.
  • 5/24/12: For now, the Ravens are primarily having Paul Kruger lined up at Suggs' rush outside linebacker spot.
  • 5/24/12: Rookie 2nd round pick Kelechi Osemele took the majority of the first-string repetitions at left guard with Jah Reid rotating in at tackle.

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