Baltimore picks up the Purdue’s hard hitting safety in the 7th round
.@SanoussiKane1 is Charm City bound❗ pic.twitter.com/8XlUqqyPZj
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2024
Kane Bio
Kane arrived at Purdue as a 3-star recruit out of Blair Academy in New Jersey, hailing from Harlem, New York. Despite being regarded as a consensus 3-star player, Kane made an immediate impact during his first camp with his impressive back-end speed and willingness to deliver big hits. As a freshman in 2020, he appeared in 6 games off the bench, recording 3 tackles. Considering the circumstances, this was a commendable performance for a 3-star recruit from a small school in New Jersey.
Following his unconventional (in terms of its oddness) freshman season in 2021, Kane secured a regular position on the depth chart. He played in all 13 games, earning 1 start and tallying 7 tackles for the season, with 3 coming in the same game against Nebraska.
Kane’s junior year saw a significant improvement as he appeared in 14 games, starting 12 of them. He led the team in tackles with 72, including 54 unassisted tackles. Kane established himself as a defensive leader and provided Purdue with a reliable tackler in the secondary, capable of playing both in the back end and moving into the box. Perhaps his most crucial play of the season occurred against FAU when his 29-yard fumble return sealed the victory against a resurgent Florida Atlantic team late in the fourth quarter.
Despite changes in the coaching staff for Purdue in 2023, Kane remained consistent, finishing second in tackles with 79 behind freshman phenom Dillion Thieneman. Kane shifted away from the deep middle, where Thieneman primarily operated, and moved closer to the line of scrimmage. In Purdue’s 5-2-4 defense, a safety capable of filling the gap for the missing linebacker was essential, and Kane, standing at a stout 6’0” and weighing 215 pounds, fulfilled that role admirably. When not stopping the run, Kane often found himself matched up against tight ends, effectively neutralizing overgrown wide receivers in the passing game. He earned 7 pass breakups as a senior, 4 more than his junior campaign.
Player Comp
Bernard Pollard
Kane may not deliver hits as thunderous as those of former Boilermaker and Raven players, but his tackles are impactful nonetheless. His aggressive tackling style sets him apart, as he actively seeks out ball carriers instead of relying on passive methods like some defensive backs.
Similar to Pollard, Kane resembles more of a swift linebacker than a traditional bulky safety. His significance for both Purdue and now the Ravens lies in his ability to act as an eighth defender in the box. However, like Bernard, he occasionally falls victim to over-pursuit, resulting in being pushed off the front edge of a play in run defense, or being lured by play action in pass defense.
While his aggression can sometimes backfire, if Kane does make a mistake, it’s usually because he’s fully committed, charging ahead at full throttle. Teams can tolerate these kinds of mistakes, knowing that they come from a place of unwavering determination and intensity.
Role In Baltimore
The Ravens’ loss of two reserve safeties in free agency, coupled with their significant investment in star safety Kyle Hamilton, presents a prime opportunity for Kane to secure a spot on the roster. With this situation at hand, he couldn’t ask for a better chance to make his mark. It’s likely that he’ll land as the 4th safety on the roster and be utilized as a key contributor on special teams.
Considering Kane’s late start in football and his background in a smaller high school program, his five years of college experience have undoubtedly contributed to his development. However, there’s still room for growth, particularly in refining his technique. Baltimore may see this as a positive aspect, viewing him as a prospect with untapped potential.
By selecting Kane in the 7th round, the Ravens have acquired a player who can provide depth at safety while operating within the constraints of a rookie salary. Additionally, his impact on special teams and potential for improvement through refining his technique make him a valuable asset for the team. Overall, it’s a solid pick that addresses multiple needs for the Ravens.