NFL Draft: Don’t Be Surprised To See Baltimore Ravens Trade Back

It is very possible the Ravens could move back from the #16 spot in the first round of the NFL Draft

Here we are. It is finally the day of the NFL draft. The Ravens sit with the #16 pick in the first round of the NFL draft. They have a ton of needs, but what direction are they going to go?

Honestly, they could really go any direction. Mock drafts have them taking anywhere from a wide receiver, to pass rusher, to cornerback, to an offensive lineman. But what if they do not stay at the #16 spot? On the surface it may seem like a stupid move, but I would not be surprised to see the Ravens trade back.

Coming into the draft, they have seven total picks. It may seem like a lot, but it isn’t for the Ravens. They haven’t had seven picks in a draft since 2010. Last year they had 11 picks. If there is anything we know it is that Ozzie Newsome loves his draft picks, especially in the middle rounds.

Mike Williams and Corey Davis could very easily be gone at 16. Derrick Barnett and Hasson Reddick are hot prospects and could also very well be gone by the time the Ravens are up to pick. I expect John Ross to be there but he’s dealt with a number of injuries and could be a boom or bust pick. So what do the Ravens do? In that scenario, it would be smart to trade back.

So If They Trade Back, Now What?

If the Ravens trade back, I expect fans to be angry. They are going to be livid if Ozzie and the front office trade away from the #16. They could very well trade 5-6 picks back to get into the early 20’s. By trading back they could get an extra third or fourth round pick. Don’t think this is a big deal? Take a look at the Ravens draft history in the middle rounds.

With this mindset, you have to think they would be going after an offensive lineman or pass rusher. All three of the top wide receivers would most likely be off the board and any 1st round cornerback is going to go early. Cam Robinson and Forrest Lamp are the two that come to mind for me. Lamp has been shooting up draft boards recently and Ravens ESPN reporter Jamison Hensley had the Ravens taking Lamp in his latest mock draft. Fellow site expert Chris Schisler also wrote a piece on players that the Ravens could target if they were to trade back.

As much as I would like the Ravens to stay where they are in the first round, you just never know. If you are a Ravens fan you have to expect this. All we really know is that Ozzie is going to make the right decision with whoever they take.