Former Northwestern LB Blake Gallagher receives high praise at Ravens rookie minicamp
Former Northwestern linebacker Blake Gallagher is doing all he can to make an NFL roster.
Gallagher was one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten last season, but went undrafted at the 2021 NFL Draft. However, he’s been trying out at rookie minicamp for the Baltimore Ravens this week, and he’s apparently been impressive.
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley said Gallagher has been good enough to get more opportunities with the Ravens.
Northwestern LB Blake Gallagher was the best tryout player at Ravens rookie minicamp. He's undersized but he was all over the field. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Ravens signed him.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 15, 2021
There were a few tryout players in attendance today, one of which was Blake Gallagher, an ILB from Northwestern. A bit undersized & not a smooth athlete, he's a communicator and relentless. High effort player who seems to anticipate well, which helps overcome a limited skillset. pic.twitter.com/8K6uBpumAm
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) May 15, 2021
Gallagher was incredibly productive for the Wildcats. Over a four-year career, he made 332 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and five interceptions.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 228 pounds, Gallagher will be fighting an uphill battle to maintain an NFL roster spot. However, he does have years of production that could stack up well against most collegiate résumés.
Last season, Gallagher was named a 2nd team All-Big Ten linebacker (consensus) and a third team All-American (Phil Steele). He led Northwestern’s defense with 87 total tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. He also performed on big stages, recording nine tackles vs. Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship and 10 tackles vs. Auburn in the Citrus Bowl.
If Gallagher is able to latch on with the Ravens or another NFL team, it would be another addition to what is already arguably the best influx of Northwestern talent into the NFL in program history. The Wildcats had two first round picks this year (Rashawn Slater and Greg Newsome) for the first time in school history.
