Now that everybody has had time to digest the Ravens selection of Hayden Hurst and Lamar Jackson in the first round of the NFL Draft, it’s time to look at players the Ravens might target on Day Two.
Remember, the Ravens have no picks in the second round as they sent the 52nd overall selection to the Eagles in the Jackson deal. But they do have two picks in the third round.
The Ravens also own the 65th pick acquired from Buffalo in a trade, going from 16 to 22 and their own third round pick, number 86.
Here are some potential Day 2 targets:
1. Anthony Miller / WR / Memphis: Play-making wide receiver who can make defenders miss and create yards after the catch. Scored 32 TD over the past two years.
2. Michael Gallup / WR / Colorado: A smooth route runner who can fight through press coverage and has enough speed to blow by defenders.
3. Jessie Bates / S / Wake Forest: Limited tape is the only reason he is still around in the third round. Bates is versatile enough to play man and zone. He is also not afraid to lower the boom on ball carriers.
4. Tarvarius White / S / Southern Mississippi: Possibly the most underrated safety in the class. Moore is
a true center fielder, who can play this year in sub packages before he becomes a starter next year.
5. Josey Jewell / ILB / Iowa: An underrated middle linebacker from Iowa who will not stand out on tape but always seems to be around the ball. Jewell went from a Division III player at Luther College to first-team All American.
6. Maurice Hurst / DT / Michigan: Hurst was the number one rated defensive tackle before a health issue was found at the combine. If he is available in the third, it may be too hard to pass him up.
7. Kerryon Johnson / RB / Auburn: A three-down back who is excellent in picking up blitzes. Johnson scored 32 touchdowns over the last two years. His running style reminds many of Le’Veon Bell in that he takes his time getting to the hole then explodes.
8. Orlando Brown, Jr. / OT / Oklahoma: Yes, he “failed” the combine but he allowed just two sacks over the last two seasons. At 6’8” and 345lbs, his size is ideal for right tackle.
9. Kalen Ballage / RB / Arizona St.: Ballage is a big play waiting to happen not just on the ground but in the receiving game. Ballage also found success and is a threat in the return game.
10. Arden Key / Edge Rusher / LSU: The wild card here. Key has all of the makings of a first-round talent, but sometimes disappears on tape. He also took a leave of absence from LSU, so there are questions about his commitment. But 21 sacks, 84 hurries and 33 QB hits over three years may trump all of those questions.
