As we inch closer to the draft, we have a better idea of how the Baltimore Ravens might approach their first-round selection. The Ravens’ biggest needs are offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback and edge rusher, and it’s likely one of these positions will be addressed with the 30th pick.
Baltimore has nine picks after the trade of Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. In this exercise, we will assume the Ravens stay at No. 30 and do not make any trades. I’ll go over their first-round options and how they will pivot from there in the later rounds.
In our first scenario, the Ravens go with a cornerback as the 30th pick. The Ravens do not have much depth behind starters Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens, so finding a future starter in the first round makes sense.
Who could be available in the first round?
• Nate Wiggins, Clemson
• Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
• Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
• Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
The Ravens are too far back in the draft to land Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold, all of whom are likely to be top-20 picks. Wiggins might be out of range as well, but the latter three should all be in play.
Who are their Day 2 options?
Offensive linemen and pass rusher make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to keep in eye on in Rounds 2 and 3.
Offensive Lineman:
• Christian Haynes, Connecticut
• Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
• Patrick Paul, Houston
• Dominick Puni, Kansas
• Christian Mahogany, Boston College
Pass Rusher:
• Chris Braswell, Alabama
• Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
• Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
• Gabriel Murphy, UCLA
• Austin Booker, Kansas
What other needs could be addressed on draft night?
The Ravens also need depth at linebacker and safety as well as receiver and running back.
What could the Ravens draft hypothetically look like in this scenario?
Round 1, Pick 30: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Round 2, Pick 62: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
Round 3, Pick 93: Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas
Round 4, Pick 113 (from NYJ): Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
Round 4, Pick 130: Marshawn Lloyd, RB, Southern California
Round 5, Pick 165: Myles Murphy, DL, North Carolina
Round 6, Pick 218: Trey Taylor, S, Air Force
Round 7, Pick 228 (from NYJ): Jarius Monroe, CB, Tulane
Round 7, Pick 250: Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
I fully anticipate the Ravens to do some maneuvering, but are you satisfied with this draft?
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alabama Athletics