Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver Must Be Their 1st Round Pick

By Chris Schisler

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs the ball ahead of Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the second quarter of the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs the ball ahead of Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the second quarter of the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens have three pressing needs going into the NFL Draft. The Ravens priority though must be the wide receiver position.

The Baltimore Ravens offensive line is a concern. Rick Wagner and Jeremy Zuttah will play their football elsewhere. The center position, as well as the right tackle position are now on the Ravens list of worries. That being said, John Urschel may be a good option at center. Alex Lewis may be best at left guard but him moving to the right side is something that the Ravens can do.

Pass rush is another thing the Ravens need. Terrell Suggs is nearing the final chapter of his storied career, whether he likes it or not. Father time is the character that is going to end his career, it’s just a matter of when. The purple and black have parted ways with Elvis Dumervil. Matt Judon however, could come along as the next big thing on the edge for Baltimore.

The Ravens Have No Choice:

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For the Ravens other positions, there are options to fill apparent voids. For the need at wide receiver there really isn’t much proven talent. The best receiver on the purple and black is without a doubt Mike Wallace. Wallace caught 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. Wallace is a good piece of the puzzle, but he’s not a number one wide receiver. The Ravens second best wide receiver is Breshad Perriman. The Ravens waited an entire year to see their first round pick from 2015. In what was basically his rookie season he had just 33 receptions for 499 yards and three touchdowns.

I guess that makes Chris Moore the Ravens third best receiver (assuming Michael Campanaro cannot stay healthy). Chris Moore had seven receptions in 2016, which was his rookie season. If the Ravens walk out of the draft without a star receiver, there should be reason for panic. Right now, the biggest fear is that a great defense will be wasted by a tragic offense. Ozzie Newsome can change the narrative going into the 2017 season.

The Bottom Line:

There are three star receivers in this draft class. They are Corey Davis, Mike Williams and John Ross. Davis looks to me like the most special wide receiver prospect in a long time. Williams is a sure thing. Ross has blazing speed and is maybe the most polished play-maker at the position. The Ravens have the 16th pick in the draft. It is not unlikely that one of the big three receivers will be there at the 16th pick. If the Ravens pass up the chance to draft one of these receivers, they will regret it for years to come.

Next: Ravens Mock Draft: Rounds 1 & 2

The wide receiver position is the bleak position on the Ravens roster. They have to fix this, or their impressive defensive talent could go to waste.

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