Heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, I’ll look at possible scenarios for the Ravens in Round 1 and how a selection would change the look of the second and third rounds. This exercise assumes the Ravens make no trades in the first round and make the 28th overall pick. The top needs for the Ravens are wide receiver, edge rusher, linebacker and offensive line.
Here is Scenario 2: The Ravens select a linebacker with the 28th pick.
Who could it be?
• Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
• Patrick Queen, LSU
So, who would the second-round target be? (Remember, the Ravens currently have two second-round picks.)
The Ravens could target an edge rusher, offensive lineman or wide receiver with each pick in Round 2. Here are some options for each position of need in the second round. The Ravens have picks 55 and 60.
WR:
• Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado: without the injuries he is a first-rounder; one of the top four talents at wide receiver in this draft
• K.J. Hamler, Penn State: SPEED … would be fun to see him and Marquise Brown together
• Michael Pittman, USC: Fast riser in the draft process; would be a nice complement to Miles Boykin and Brown
• Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan: not very productive in college; upside prospect
EDGE:
• Julian Okwara, Notre Dame: solid pass rusher who has trouble setting the edge
• Josh Uche, Michigan: will be a better pro than college player; like his skill set
• Curtis Weaver, Boise State: 2019 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year
• Terrell Lewis, Alabama: raw, was injured a bunch in college but could be an elite player if he stays healthy
OL:
• Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU: second-best IOL in this draft
• Jonah Jackson, Ohio State: solid guard who is ready to go from Day One
• Robert Hunt, Louisiana: starting guard from the jump
• Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn: has starting LT potential
Offensive line gets thin fast in this draft. Yes, there are players who could develop, but the middle of Round 3 is where sure-fire starters stop. That’s where guards and tackles become developmental prospects. The wide receiver depth is strong in this year’s draft, so if the Ravens decide to go this route, they could double up at the receiver position later in the draft. There are solid edge rush prospects through Round 5 (not necessarily a lot of them but there are some intriguing prospects).
Here are the Ravens’ options in the third round. The Ravens have picks 93 and 106:
WR:
• Bryan Edwards, South Carolina: huge upside prospect
• Van Jefferson, Florida: ready-to-roll prospect
• Chase Claypool, Notre Dame: redundant prospect (Boykin)
OT:
• Matthew Peart, Connecticut: small-school gem
• Netane Muti, Fresno State: solid prospect
• Damien Lewis, LSU: powerful prospect
EDGE:
• Bradlee Anae, Utah: would be a steal
• Kenny Willekes, Michigan State: run stopper
• Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame: developmental prospect
What if the 2020 draft went like this for the Ravens?
No. 28: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
No. 55: Michael Pittman, WR, USC
No. 60: Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana
No. 92: Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
No. 106: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
In addition, the Ravens would still have four picks left to address their other needs. Would this be a solid start to the draft?
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Oklahoma Athletics