The Baltimore Ravens were the standard of mediocrity in 2016 going 8-8. Baltimore decided to be heavy spenders this offseason despite having virtually no cap space. Adding Tony Jefferson and re-signing Brandon Williams put the Ravens in win-now mode. Can the Baltimore Ravens fill out the rest of their porous roster heading into the 2017 NFL Draft?
With the 16th overall selection, expect the Ravens to take the best player available in their minds regardless of the position. That could also mean they decide to trade down in a loaded draft. One option could be Taco Charlton of Michigan. Head coach John Harbaugh likely knows a lot of all the Michigan players in the draft because his brother Jim coaches the Wolverines. The Ravens are missing a pass rusher as Terrell Suggs is nearing the end of the road and Elvis Dumervil is no longer in town. Charlton would fit well in any system but the Ravens run a ton of hybrid looks where he can excel standing up or with a hand in the dirt. I’ve linked Charlton to Chandler Jones as a really long pass rusher that can make a difference.
In the 2nd round (47th overall) wide receiver could be a place Baltimore targets. Zay Jones, the NCAA All-Time leader in receptions could be exactly what they need. Baltimore has speedy targets Breshad Perriman and Mike Wallace but doesn’t have a pure possession receiver. Jones has been the darling of the draft process doing nothing but help himself at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Jones also does have good speed (4.45) and really soft hands. It’s entirely possible Jones turns out to be the best receiver in the entire draft and has been knocked on for attending a small school at East Carolina.
The Ravens have two picks in the 3rd round (74th & 78th). Unfortunately for Baltimore one of those picks were acquired in the egregious Timmy Jernigan trade but that’s a story for another day. Cornerback could be one spot the Ravens look at. Having already added Brandon Carr at corner, Sidney Jones could be a target despite the injury. Jones was my first ranked corner prior to tearing his Achilles so he would provide great value once he recovers.
Houston linebacker Tyus Bowser could be another player the Ravens target in the 3rd round. Bowser has some natural rush ability despite being undersized. Bowser could be a chess piece the Ravens might use off the edge or at middle linebacker depending on the sub package. The Ravens don’t have a middle linebacker next to C.J. Mosely so while Bowser might not be a perfect fit at middle linebacker, he is someone who is super athletic that can develop into that position.
