Post Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft Reaction: It’s Not Time To Panic
By Joe Schiller
The Baltimore Ravens have finished making their picks in the NFL Draft and many are not happy about some of the selections
It is not looking like the Baltimore Ravens will trade back into the draft, so they are officially done. With seven picks in the NFL draft they selected two secondary players, two pass rushers, two offensive lineman, and one defensive lineman. It marks the first time that they have not drafted a wide receiver or running back.
This is the first time the Ravens have ever completed the draft without selecting a RB or WR
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) April 29, 2017
It’s pretty clear what the Ravens are trying to do here and that is building the backbone of the offense and defense. They came into the draft with a plan and stuck by it. It may not have been to the liking of the fans, but the Ravens got better in this draft.
R-E-L-A-X
Listen I get it. When the Ravens come into the draft with a major need at receiver and do not draft one, it is frustrating. It didn’t work out, especially in the first round. It’s hard when the three best receivers are selected within the top 10. Good news, there are still plenty of options after the draft. Ozzie Newsome isn’t dumb. He understands that the Ravens need help at receiver. We as fans should trust that he is working to add more depth. Even with all the players drafted, there are still many players that go undrafted. There is no doubt the Ravens are contacting some of these players right now. They are going to be very busy even after the draft is done.
We heard plenty of rumors about adding a veteran wide receiver before the draft. Now that they’ve waited until after the draft, if they add a veteran free agent, it will not take away a compensatory pick. Former Raven Anquan Boldin is a very strong possibility as well as Eric Decker. They could even take a chance on a player like Josh Gordon who has shown plenty of talent, but cannot keep it together off the field.
As Ozzie put it perfectly, the Ravens need to give the guys on their roster a chance to play.
Newsome said his own players will get the opportunity to compete and win jobs before he scours waiver wire for WR.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 29, 2017
Next: Baltimore Ravens Draft: 5 Positives From 5 Draft Picks
Just like last season there was question coming in about inside linebacker. Instead of taking one, what do the Ravens do? Go with an undrafted linebacker. That guy turned out to be Zachary Orr, who ended the 2016 as a 2nd team All-Pro selection. Guys like Chris Moore, Michael Campanaro, and Chris Matthews will get an increased role this year. There is also a reason they have kept all those tight ends. If you think about it, the Ravens aren’t really great at drafting wide receivers. They’ve relied on veteran free agents like Boldin and Steve Smith Sr. in the past.
If you are panicking, just relax. There is a reason why we have the slogan #InOzzieWeTrust