Defensive end Brent Urban has had an interesting career to date, playing for four different teams: the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, and Dallas Cowboys. Over a seven-year career, the Canadian has amassed 107 tackles, with 10 being tackles for loss, six sacks, nine quarterback hits, and nine passes defended. Urban began his 2021 campaign on a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Cowboys but is currently on injured reserve with a triceps injury.
Brent Urban: Canadian NFL Player Profile
Background of the Canadian Tackle
Born on May 5th, 1991, in Mississauga, Ontario, Urban attended Lorne Park Secondary School where he played hockey, basketball, and football. He was rated a two-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, as well as being listed as the 59th best defensive end by ESPN and the 104th by Scout.com. Urban was a two-time Toronto Star All-Star selection as he had amassed 16 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and eight pass breakups as a junior. He won the Ontario Bantam Championship in hockey with the 2006 AAA Mississauga Ice Dogs. Urban received a football scholarship to the University of Virginia.
University Awards and Achievements
In his football career at Virginia, Urban totaled 75 tackles for a loss of 16 yards with three sacks. He received an All-ACC Honorable mention, a selection to the Senior Bowl, and a nomination to the Phil Steele midseason All-ACC Second-Team. Urban underwent ankle surgery at the end of his senior season.
Draft Projection and Selection
The Ravens selected Urban in the fourth round, 134rd overall, in the 2014 NFL Entry Draft. He was also selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the second round, 15th overall. NFL Analyst Nolan Nawrocki had Urban being selected within rounds three to four and gave him a grade of 5.80. Due to his ankle injury, he did not work out at the Combine.
Scouts were concerned about Urban’s durability since he has sustained numerous injuries. Urban also appeared very raw, with a need for him to develop better instincts and use of blocking hands. However, they were impressed by his build, stature, and athleticism at the position. Urban is not a fancy, dynamic type of player, you always expect a blue-collar workman-like effort in his play. He is usually seen doing the little things correctly but is never the first body there to attack the quarterback or offensive player. At 6’7″, 295 lbs, Urban has the length but is a bit slender at the position. He also can make plays that are very high risk, high reward, which has often led to him being out of position. If developed properly and his raw talent is harnessed, there is a potential of a starter/high-level backup player.
Career to Date
Urban signed a four-year, $2,520,584 rookie contract with the Ravens, but kept sustaining significant injuries every year. He signed a one-year extension before signing with the Titans in the subsequent free agency. After being released, he was signed by the Bears due to an Akeem Hicks injury, then signed an extension with them. During free agency, Urban signed with the Cowboys but has ended up on the injured reserve.
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