For two years, Ravens inside linebacker Arthur Brown tried in vain to bulk up to prepare his body for the rigors of the NFL.
Despite his devotion to lifting weights and increasing his calories, Brown remained undersized at 6-foot and ranging between 227 and 235 pounds. And the 2013 second-round draft pick from Kansas State found himself passed on the depth chart by Pro Bowl inside linebacker C.J. Mosley last season and also ranks behind veteran middle linebacker Daryl Smith.
Now, Brown is finally heavier after two quiet NFL seasons and hoping that his increased size will help him carve out a role as a defensive reserve and a core special-teams contributor.