Much has changed since the last time we took a look at which players were being linked to the Baltimore Ravens in mock drafts.
Most importantly, there are two new teams at the top of the draft – the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively – and both are slated to select a quarterback. With Jared Goff and Carson Wentz being the first two players off the board, the Ravens suddenly have more options if they stay put at six.
One notable new option is Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who could fall into Baltimore’s lap if he makes it past San Diego. On a lesser note, Florida State safety Jalen Ramsey could be available, but it is still quite difficult to envision him making it past Jacksonville at five.
With a new duo of teams at the top of the draft comes fresh mock drafts, with some different names being linked to the Ravens.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler, CBS Sports’ Will Brinson and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Prisco’s analysis:
He is a big, strong and physical. They love players like that. He can dominate.
Brugler’s anaysis:
Defensive line isn’t a glaring need on the Ravens’ roster, but with Buckner still available, Baltimore might not be able to pass on the talented defensive end.
Brinson’s analysis:
With the top two picks locked in Ozzie Newsome has to be loving his position, guaranteed one of the four blue-chip players in this draft.
Jeremiah’s analysis:
The Ravens need to improve in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Buckner’s a good start.
RSR analysis: It appears we have a theme going on here. In each of the scenarios above, Laremy Tunsil and Jalen Ramsey were off the board when the Ravens were on the clock. With that in mind, Bucker would make sense as a backup option. He falls in line with Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliot and Myles Jack as a consolation prize to Tunsil and Ramsey. Buckner has loads of upside and is a prototypical five-tech in a 3-4 defense.
CBS Sports’ Rob Rang: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Rang’s analysis:
General manager Ozzie Newsome has made a career out of pouncing on talented players falling into his lap and that could continue with Tunsil, arguably the top player in the draft. The addition of Tunsil would give the Ravens options with incumbent starting left tackle Eugene Monroe, who has struggled with injuries himself since being acquired from Jacksonville.
RSR analysis: Coming away with Tunsil in this draft was a pipe dream just a week ago, but now it is certainly in the realm of possibility. He is far and away the best left tackle in this draft class, and would allow the Ravens to move on from the failed Eugene Monroe experiment.
NFL Network’s Charley Casserly: Jalen Ramsey, S/CB, Florida State
Casserly’s analysis:
Taking Ramsey completes the rebuilding of their secondary — Eric Weddle and Lardarius Webb at safety to go along with CB Jimmy Smith.
RSR analysis: While Tunsil would be the premier choice on offense, Ramsey is the best option on defense. He is as dynamic and physical as secondary prospects come, and would be the elite playmaker that Baltimore’s secondary has lacked for years.
NFL Network’s Charles Davis: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Davis’ analysis:
Baltimore is eager to get back to being “The Ravens” on defense, and the Buckeyes’ star makes for an excellent beginning with his full-time hustle, and ability to play the run and rush the passer.
RSR analysis: In this mock, Ramsey, Tunsil and Elliott were off the board along with the two quarterbacks. With that in mind, the Ravens would likely choose from Bosa, Buckner and Jack. In my opinion, Jack would be the least ideal choice, thus making Bosa a quality pick. He is not a natural 3-4 defender, but Baltimore’s defensive front is also not a “true” 3-4 nowadays anyway. It appears some fans are overthinking Bosa. He was dominant in college and is a freak athlete. What more could you want?
