Ravens Mock Draft Tracker 1.0

Once the 2014 NFL season comes to a close on Sunday night in Arizona, all eyes will be fully set on the 2015 offseason and the upcoming moves during free agency and the draft.

In terms of offseason priorities, the Baltimore Ravens typically favor the draft to build the team over free agency. During free agency, the Ravens typically only turn their attention to their own free agents and players released by other teams; the draft is always in mind as compensatory picks can be acquired through this practice.

Therefore, through Baltimore’s history of acquiring compensatory picks and valuing building the team through draft picks, the three days in Chicago in April and May will be the team’s most important time of the offseason.

Ravens fans know this, thus piquing their interest in the draft and triggering an annual ritual of perusing the Internet for mock drafts and position rankings to identify potential draft-day targets.

Mock drafts are already frequent across websites, with the media’s top draft analysts weighing in on potential first-round scenarios. Some value mock drafts, some think they are a waste of time.

For the most part, mock drafts hold little value in terms of predicting picks, however they are good barometers to start to gain an idea of which prospects could be in play for teams.

Who are some of the key draft analysts pegging to Baltimore’s selection with the 26th overall pick?

NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks and ESPN’s Todd McShay: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Brooks’ analysis: “Gordon is a one-cut runner with the speed, quickness and burst to thrive in the Ravens‘ zone-based running game.”

RSR analysis: If Baltimore’s “best player available” mentality comes into play, then there is a slight chance that Gordon could be in the picture. Whether the Ravens re-sign Justin Forsett or not in the offseason should not affect the fact that the team would benefit from another running back in the mix. Lorenzo Taliaferro played well in limited action as a rookie, but Bernard Pierce’s lack of improvement in three years with the team has been concerning. Gordon is an explosive, decisive runner who could surely exceed in Baltimore’s run scheme. 

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Jeremiah’s analysis: “Steve Smith was outstanding, but he’s not going to play much longer. Some evaluators like Funchess as a tight end, but I prefer him on the outside where he can use his size/strength to overpower defenders.”

RSR analysis: No need to look far for a breakdown of Funchess and how he could be of value to the Ravens offense. An undeveloped wide receiver, the former tight end’s receiving ability and athleticism makes him a much more viable wide receiver option than tight end in the NFL. But it also may not even matter where he lines up. Out wide, slot, off the line, next to a tackle; Funchess can be utilized in many different ways. He has plenty of work to do in route-running and catching consistency, but the end of the first round seems like a very reasonable spot for him to be selected, thus putting the Ravens in play. 

SB Nation’s Dan Kadar: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma

Kadar’s analysis: “It’s true, adding Green-Beckham to Baltimore would be a tough sell. If he’s clean and contrite in the interview process, he’s a perfect fit for Baltimore. His deep ball ability complements where Joe Flacco excels and he can become an asset in the red zone.”

RSR analysis: There is no denying the on-field ability of Green-Beckham. He is a large (stands around 6’5), athletic receiver with the ability to play the big game and win contested catches as well as gain separation with his speed. However, it is not as easy as looking at his on-field ability. Green-Beckham has not played since the 2014 Cotton Bowl with the Missouri Tigers and has dealt with off-field issues in the process. The character issues surely will not help his cause, but there is no denying his potential in the NFL. As Kadar noted, if he is “clean and contrite” during the draft process, he would be a solid selection for Baltimore. But, that is a huge “if.”

CBS Sports’ Rob Rang: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

Rang’s analysis: “At 35, Steve Smith is a short-term fix, and Torrey Smith is a pending free agent. The aptly-named Strong has the size, power and body control to win contested passes, traits that project well with the strong-armed Joe Flacco delivering passes.”

RSR analysis: No surprise; another wide receiver option for the Ravens. The last time the organization selected a wide receiver in the first round was Mark Clayton in 2005, making it reasonable to be skeptical about just how interested the team will be in using a high pick on a potential offense-changing player. Strong is just one option of many, and could be a popular choice as he (no pun intended) is a strong, physical receiver. The pure physique of Strong should intrigue teams, as will his playing style.

CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler and Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager: Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon

Brugler’s analysis: “Defensive line might not be the Ravens’ top need, but Armstead might be too much of a value for Baltimore at this point in the first round. The Oregon defensive lineman is a versatile athlete with a very high ceiling.”

Schrager’s analysis: “The Ravens could have an interesting offseason, with several veteran performers set to hit free agency. Armstead is an intriguing prospect because of his versatility. Often compared to Cardinals star Calais Campbell, Armstead can play either the 3-technique or the 5-technique and performed at a high level for a great Oregon team. At 6-foot-8, 290 pounds, the sky is the limit for Armstead with good coaching. He’ll find that in Baltimore.”

RSR analysis: Using a high pick on a defensive lineman certainly would not be the highest of priorities for the Ravens, but a potential departure of Haloti Ngata could change that mindset. Armstead is a long, athletic lineman who could be a successful five-technique defensive end in Baltimore’s defensive scheme. 

As expected, a very wide range of names are linked to Baltimore. With three months until the draft, Melvin Gordon, Devin Funchess and Arik Armstead seem to be popular choices.

Who would you like to see the Ravens select in the first round?