After a bitter end to a season the best way to move on is to look ahead.
The Baltimore Ravens had a tumultuous 2014 campaign, to say the least.
Amid off the field controversies and an overwhelming amount of injuries, the Ravens were able to put together a successful season. Losing to the Patriots was, admittedly, heartbreaking. But the best way to go forward is to turn the page.
The Super Bowl may not have even been played yet, but all 30 other franchises are already gearing up for the draft. The Ravens have various needs going into this draft, but keep in mind Ozzie Newsome has a history of taking the best player available regardless of position.
Without further ado, lets take a look at potential players who could be suiting up in purple and black next fall.
MELVIN GORDON RB WISCONSIN 6’1” 205 lbs
By now Melvin Gordon is a household name for any college football fans. Gordon is a powerful runner, but he also possesses the necessary speed to run away from defenders. We’re talking about a kid who almost broke Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record. Gordon’s greatest asset may be his vision. Even with Gary Kubiak headed to Denver, early indications point to the Ravens maintaining his zone-blocking scheme. With his vision and his patience, Melvin Gordon would be an ideal fit in the Ravens system.
MARCUS PETERS CB WASHINGTON 5’11” 193 lbs
In the opener of this piece I mentioned injuries plaguing the Ravens during the 2014 season. There may have been no position group more greatly impacted by these injuries than the Ravens secondary. Enter Marcus Peters. Peters is a gifted cornerback who may be the best pure cover corner in this year’s draft class. He is a physical, press coverage corner with tremendous ball skills (11 career interceptions at Washington). Players with Peters’ ability typically don’t fall this late in the first round. But, Peters has a ton of red flags. He was dismissed from Washington’s program due to issues with the coaching staff. The Ravens have never shied away from players with character issues in the past, due to a strong football culture and experienced leaders. But, after the 2014 offseason the Ravens may think twice before picking a guy like Peters.
DEVIN FUNCHESS WR/TE MICHIGAN 6’5” 235 lbs
Funchess is an athletic marvel. With the ability to run by safeties and linebackers and the size to dwarf most cornerbacks, Funchess will be an offensive weapon no matter where he lands on draft day. Funchess posted solid numbers throughout his career at Michigan, despite suspect quarterback play. The biggest knock on Funchess is that he doesn’t have a true position, having started as a tight end early at Michigan but splitting out wide this past season. It doesn’t matter. This is a player who is already being compared to Jimmy Graham. Enough said.
Submitted by O.C. Stine
