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 3: The Ravens select a wide receiver with the 28th pick.
Who could it be?
• Justin Jefferson, LSU
• Denzel Mims, Baylor
• Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
• Jalen Reagor, TCU
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.
LB:
• Malik Harrison, Ohio State: better run defender than coverage linebacker
• Jordan Brooks, Texas Tech: more of a Will linebacker then Mike linebacker
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 but could be an elite player if he stays healthy
OL:
• Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU: second-best interior offensive lineman in the 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 left tackle potential
Here are the Ravens’ options in the third round. The Ravens have picks 93 and 106:
LB:
• Troy Dye, Oregon: solid prospect
• Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State: potential high-reward pick
• Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State: intriguing prospect
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: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
No. 55: Jordan Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
No. 60: Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana
No. 92: Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
No. 106: Matthew Peart, OT, Connecticut
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 Baylor Athletics