The presence of a new offensive coaching staff led by coordinator Gary Kubiak will influence how the Ravens approach the draft. General manager Ozzie Newsome still runs the room, and coach John Harbaugh will lobby for the players he wants. However, it makes sense for the Ravens to draft players that fit Kubiak’s system, and the new offensive coaching staff has made its voice heard.
“They’ve added their perspective,” Newsome said at the Ravens’ pre-draft press conference. “It’s always good to get new views on things and ways of looking at stuff. Their perspective on the offense and how this offense is put together and the personnel that fits it has been invaluable.”
RELATED: [Terrance West journey from Baltimore to the NFL Draft]
Kubiak likes throwing to tight ends and using multiple tight end formations. It’s easy to see him lobbying for the Ravens to take tight end Eric Ebron in the first round.
Kubiak also runs a zone-blocking scheme, and prefers one-cut downhill runners who also have good hands. The Ravens are expected to take at least one running back in this draft, perhaps as early as the third round. Backs that could fit the Kubiak profile include Carlos Hyde of Ohio St., Tre Mason of Auburn, Charles Sims of West Virginia, Bishop Sankey of Washington, and Lorenzo Taliaferro of Coastal Carolina.
Since Kubiak joined the Ravens, they have added both assistant coaches and players (Owen Daniels, Justin Forsett) that Kubiak has worked with. When picking offensive players in this draft, choosing players expected to perform well in Kubiak’s system will be one of the factors considered.
For more of CSNBaltimore’s coverage of the Baltimore Ravens click HERE.
