Cory Redding ready to apply the pressure.

Experienced veteran defensive tackle Cory Redding is happy with his situation in Baltimore and motivated to start this season with a fresh body.

It has been 3 years since he has been healthy during an offseason. Year after year he suffered from various injuries and as a result saw his production on the field decrease. In 2006, Redding had his best year, gathering a total of 8.0 sacks, 47 tackles and 2 forced fumbles (all career highs) but ever since then he has failed to match or best those achievements.
He was traded to Seattle from Detroit last offseason. He went on to start three games for that organization and post 20 tackles (worst since his rookie year). The Seahawks released him this offseason and the Baltimore Ravens picked him up off of the free agency market. What can Ravens fans expect from this talented defensive tackle?

To answer that question I only need one word: versatility. Over the span of his career, Redding has had the opportunity to play a variety of positions in both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. In Baltimore, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison utilizes more 4-3 defensive formation that his predecessor Rex Ryan but has not abandoned the 3-4. Redding, who stands at 6-4 292 pounds, will be called upon to play defensive tackle and defensive end in the 4-3 rotating in and out with Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce and Kelly Gregg. He will mostly play defensive end in the 3-4 system but do not be surprised if he occasionally shifts to the nose. One of the most impressive aspects of his game is his ability to get upfield from almost every position on the line.

If he stays healthy, the 30 year old defensive linemen will eventually earn more and more reps next to Ngata and company. It would not surprise me if he is starting by the mid-point in the season. The Ravens are in desperate need for players capable of generating pressure on the quarterback without excessive blitzing. Redding has proven he can do just that, apply pressure.