With the NFL Scouting Combine kicking off this week, fellow RSR draft writer John Darcey and I took a stab at how the complete draft for the Baltimore Ravens may look come the end of April.
Much is to change over the next two months, particularly with free agency in a few weeks, but in the meantime, we take a look at how Baltimore’s draft may play out.
Round 1, Pick 16
Kyle Casey (KC): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame – Even if the Ravens do not cut Austin Howard prior to the draft, having him on the roster should not prevent the team from drafting a talented, long-term option at right tackle. Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown could also be an option here.
John Darcey (JD): Billy Price, C, Ohio State – Price is my pick because I believe the Ravens will let Jensen walk in free agency. Tackle is an option here as well, but with Austin Howard under contract at a cheap rate, the Ravens keep him and get their center who starts Day One.
Round 2, Pick 52
KC: Ronald Jones, RB, USC – Jones is a hard projection in terms of where he will be selected, and the Ravens may need to trade up in this scenario to select him. The Ravens simply need offensive playmakers, and not just at wide receiver. Jones is a home run hitter who would complement the slow-and-steady likes of Alex Collins, Buck Allen and Kenneth Dixon.
JD: Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State – Gallup posted back to back 1,200+ yards seasons and has a nice blend of speed, size, hands, and physicality. By no means a burner, he does get separation and can win the jump balls.
Round 3, Pick 83
KC: Anthony Miller, WR Memphis – A small (5’11, 190 pounds) but efficient (95+ receptions in each of his last two seasons), Miller could be what the Ravens thought they would get with Jeremy Maclin.
JD: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State – The Ravens get the tight end to help the offense improve. Gesicki can line up in the slot or out wide and will be a much needed red zone target. His blocking is non-existent; the Ravens don’t care, they have Nick Boyle. What they need is someone who can catch the ball.
Round 4, Pick 118
KC: Andrew Brown, DL, Virginia – The Ravens have a slew of talent at defensive line, but any chance to build depth up front is welcomed. Brown is quick off the line and offers pressure as an interior rusher.
JD: Dante Pettis, WR, Washington – Pettis is an explosive playmaker who can play both inside and out. A very good route runner with nice hands, is the third weapon the Ravens add to help Joe Flacco. The knock on Pettis is similar to the one on John Ross last year, where there were stretches of games he would disappear. No matter, his upside is worth it at this pick.
Round 5, Pick 154
KC: Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond – One way the Ravens can get younger and save some money this offseason is by addressing quarterback depth in the draft instead of free agency. Lauletta, the MVP of the Senior Bowl, was a three-year starter at Richmond and has the accuracy and poise needed to be a successful backup quarterback in the NFL.
JD: Joe Ostman, OLB, Central Michigan – In 10 games in his senior year, Ostman registered 13 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Some will say he is small at 6’2” and that coupled with him playing at CMU, prevented a combine invite. If the Ravens do their homework, Ostman is a great value in the fifth.
Round 6, Pick 190
KC: Chris Worley, LB, Ohio State – The Ravens love finding key special teams players, and Worley would be just that. The versatile linebacker would likely play inside in Baltimore’s 3-4 defense, but more importantly would contribute more as a special teamer.
JD: Natrell Jamerson, S, Wisconsin – Jamerson may translate more into a corner in the NFL, but he will contribute right away on special teams. Jamerson can play man to man and zone, but does not have the frame to play safety. Nice pick here for the Ravens, as he could play in sub packages and gets to spend a year learning behind Jefferson and Weddle.
Round 6, Pick 215 (Compensatory Pick)
KC: Chris Herndon, TE, Miami (FL) – A pass-catching tight end coming off of a leg injury late in 2017, Herndon is a wild card in terms of his draft stock. If available this late, his potential is too good to pass up.
JD: Brexton Berrios, WR, Miami (FL) – The pick allows the Ravens to finally move on from Michael Campanaro. Berrios won’t wow you on tape, but he can play the slot effectively and can be the team’s punt returner.
Round 7, Pick 238
KC: Shaun Dion Hamilton, ILB, Alabama – The Ravens desperately need depth at inside linebacker, and Hamilton, who has seen much playing as a member of the Crimson Tide, would bring much-needed experience to the group.
JD: Nick DeLuca, ILB, North Dakota State – DeLuca dealt with injuries his senior year, which knocks him down. He still finished his career with 329 tackles and also played special teams which would allow him to make the team this year while he develops into a starting ILB.
