As a part of our coverage here at Russell Street Report, we’ll be featuring the best prospects all across the board in any situation the Ravens might come across. Whether it’s a receiver in the first round, a quarterback in the sixth, or a guard in the third, we’ll cover the Ravens best options in any scenario. Barring any trades, the team will pick in the middle of each round—so we’ll see who is available when the Ravens are projected to select their upcoming stars. This will make it easy for you the fan to look at what the Ravens are seeing in future NFL prospects.
Click Here for Interior O-Line Prospect Analysis
Click Here for Wide Receiver Prospect Analysis
Click Here for Free Safety Prospects
Click Here for Round 1 Tackle Prospects
Click Here for Round 2 Tackle Prospects
Ozzie Newsome and his staff have addressed some major holes this offseason, but one spot that has lacked a new addition is the right side of the offensive line. Expect the team to look at Right Tackle prospects in the first two rounds – but if certain scenarios play out, don’t be surprised if the third round is the time to select competition for Rick Wagner and others tucked away on the depth chart.
Billy Turner, North Dakota State
In the beginning of the season, I had few notes on Turner other than the fact that he was a guy who might catch the eye of people in 2013 and rise thanks to his “violent” on-field play as a tackle. Now as we approach the draft, buzz is picking up and Turner is starting to be projected as a possible Day Two guy.
While he’s currently labeled by some as a “small-school shot in the dark”, other scouting reports stick a 2nd round grade on the 6’5” energetic athlete. I personally think a 3rd-4th round grade is fitting for Turner, but a team like the Ravens who have a glaring need on the O-Line might take a chance earlier.
There’s no questioning Turner’s fight and physicality. He’ll play every play like it’s his last and coaches will never be able to criticize him for his effort during games. His form can get a bit messy at times, but that can and will improve with NFL coaching. Pass protection was generally pretty solid for Turner, while run blocking is something that I personally would like to see worked on.
If he can fine-tune his game, Turner could bring great competition to Ravens camp.
Antonio Richardson, Tennessee
Richardson has the potential to be the best tackle to come out of Tennessee in several years, but he has a few flaws in his game that need to be worked out.
There are issues in form (needs to stay lower and more compact at times) but his biggest weakness was his lack of strength against several very good pass-rushers. At the NFL level he’ll need to show better strength and ability to hold his spot throughout his whole body if he wants to handle solid edge-rushers.
CBS Sports labeled Richardson as someone who needs to convince scouts that he is “committed to improving technically”. Although he has a huge frame and frightening size, Richardson will fall due to those technical flaws. The Ravens seem confident in their offensive line staff. Will they feel confident that they can groom Richardson in a potential starting role?
