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 fourth scenario, the Ravens go with a pass rusher with their top choice. Baltimore recently re-signed Kyle Van Noy, but they need someone else to make up for the production lost with Jadeveon Clowney no longer on the roster. GM Eric DeCosta also has to decide on whether to exercise Odafe Oweh’s fifth-year option. Selecting his potential replacement in the first round makes sense.
Who could be available in the first round?
- Laiatu Latu, UCLA
- Jared Verse, Florida State
- Chop Robinson, Penn State
- Darius Robinson, Missouri
- Chris Braswell, Alabama
Dallas Turner is the top pass rusher in this class, but most believe he will be gone in the first 10 picks. Latu and Verse might require the Ravens to move up a few spots to grab, but the three others project to go in the final picks of the first round.
Who are their Day 2 options?
Cornerback and offensive line make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to keep in eye on in Rounds 2 and 3.
Cornerback:
- Max Melton, Rutgers
- Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
- Mike Sainristil, Michigan
- Andru Phillips, Kentucky
- Jarrian Jones, Florida State
Offensive Linemen:
- Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
- Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
- Christian Haynes, Connecticut
- Patrick Paul, Houston
- Dominick Puni, Kansas
What other needs could be addressed on draft night?
The Ravens also have needs 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: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Round 2, Pick 62: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Round 3, Pick 93: Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
Round 4, Pick 113 (from NYJ): Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU
Round 4, Pick 130: Mason McCormick, IOL, South Dakota State
Round 5, Pick 165: Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State
Round 6, Pick 218: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
Round 7, Pick 228 (from NYJ): Tahj Washington, WR, USC
Round 7, 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 Penn State Athletics