I do my best to not follow the crowd on most things, but when I saw my colleagues Chibs and Adam putting out mock drafts, I figured I could just as easily do one if those schmucks can. So, driven by sheer will, I’ve come up with my first ever seven-round mock draft. I followed the same formula as Chibs, where we simulate the draft with TheDraftNetwork’s draft tool 10 times to see which player will fall to the Ravens at 22 more often than not. Without further ado, let’s get started.
*Numbers in parentheses show how many times out of 10 that the named player fell to Baltimore in each simulation. The players that are named are chosen in accordance to a combination of best player available and the Ravens’ biggest needs.*
The Baltimore Ravens are on the clock.
Round 1, Pick 22: Garrett Bradbury, OL, NC State
Bradbury wasn’t only the best interior offensive lineman a majority of the time (6/10) but he was usually the best player available. Safety Nasir Adderley (2/10) and linebacker Devin Bush (2/10) also occasionally fell to the Ravens if the draft went quarterback- or pass rusher-heavy early on.
Bradbury is quite the fit for the Ravens, in my opinion. From what I gathered while watching his tape, he is an extremely well polished run blocker, and a decent pass blocker, where he needs to improve at the point of attack.
[Related: Big Board Breakdown – Bradbury Might Not Fit Ravens’ Scheme]
At 6’3” and 306 lbs, Bradbury almost reminds me of Colts guard Quenton Nelson, in that both are extremely athletic and nimble for their size. The Ravens could use that athleticism that is usually a hallmark of Greg Roman offenses. It’s not a sexy pick, but Bradbury could be a plug-and-play pickup, easily paving the way for the Ravens’ Heisman-winning backfield.
Round 3, Pick 85: Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
Campbell (4/10) barely edged out wideout Riley Ridley (3/10), and edge rusher Zach Allen (3/10) for the first of the Ravens’ 3rd round picks.
Campbell has been compared to former NFL wide receiver Percy Harvin, in that he can be used almost anywhere on the offensive side of the ball. Campbell has good hands AND speed, which would certainly be a breath of fresh air for Ravens fans. Don’t worry, he shouldn’t be another Breshad Perriman.
Campbell would develop most quickly and be most useful in his early years if he is fed the ball consistently via screen passes and quick hitch routes. His 4.31 40-yard dash time was exceptional, and resulted in his skyrocketing up draft boards everywhere. If he falls to the Ravens in the 3rd round, it will certainly be a match made in heaven.
Round 3, Pick 102: Oshane Ximines, EDGE
Another year, another pass rusher to take a chance on. In the sims I ran, Ximines (4/10) was near interchangeable with safety Marquise Blair (4/10). Defensive lineman Daylon Mack (2/10) was also on the board at that time.
Ximines is a decent edge setter and has good pass rush moves, but lacks elite burst. Consistency is the name of the game, and it’s something the Ravens have lacked for a long time at the edge rusher spot.
Folks will say Ximines shouldn’t go this high, but the Ravens need an edge rusher, and several times Ximines was the best man available.
Round 4, Pick 113: Will Harris, S, Boston College
Harris (7/10) is a solid pick here because of his sheer positional ambiguity. Other players that went here DL Daylon Mack (2/10) and Safety Evan Worthington (1/10).
Harris possesses speed unusual for a 6’2” safety and the uncanny ability to play solid zone coverage, as well as assist in run defense. Though Harris’ interception and pass breakup totals were lacking, he holds his own well in coverage. He can pair with DeShon Elliot to relieve Earl Thomas and Tony Jefferson if need be.
Round 4, Pick 123: Trysten Hill, DL, UCF/Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
This one was very close, as each player was available five times apiece at this pick.
Hill is the prototypical interior rusher, able to utilize the swim move to get past guards. The Ravens could use another rotation body after losing Brent Urban to free agency.
If the Ravens don’t take Parris Campbell in the third round, Renfrow would be my pick here, without a doubt. He’s got incredible hands and plays a lot like the gritty slot receivers that folks love in the NFL. If the Ravens take him, it would certainly aid Lamar Jackson in his development, seeing as he has an Uber-reliable target.
Round 5, Pick 160: Terrone Prescod, OL, NC State
Another NC State lineman for the Ravens, Prescod (6/10) would be the athletic mauler that has been missing since Kelechi Osemele left town for Oakland. Offensive lineman Michael Jordan was also an option here several times (4/10).
The Ravens would have two new bodies to plug into the line to try and give Lamar and Mark Ingram more room to run.
Round 6, Pick 191: Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
I don’t have much to say here except for the fact that Love (10/10) was available every time. A former Heisman finalist in the 6th round? Don’t mind if I do!
If Love can stay on the field, he is a dynamic back that can make would-be tacklers miss, and is a serious home run threat.
Round 6, Pick 193: Trace McSorely, QB, Penn State
I know some people are going to be SORE about this one. OK, I’ll stop.
McSorely was available every simulation and if the Ravens were to draft him here, they’d get a backup quarterback on a cheap four-year deal. McSorely benefitted from massive talent at Penn State, but his mobility and arm strength shine through.
I have confidence in McSorely, should the Ravens need call on him.
Conclusion
All in all, this was a fun experiment. If the Ravens brought in this haul, it could very easily be a boon to the team, as it fills needs as well as offers best player available.
Now, if only we could get Adam to write more….
