Marcus Peters: 2015 Baltimore Ravens Draft Prospect

Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters (21) runs on the field before the game against the Oregon Ducksat Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

The draft process for an NFL team is a long and tedious one. Scouts keep their eyes peeled on college players year round even though the actual hype begins shortly after the NFL’s regular season ends. We are headed into full blown draft season, an exciting time that reaches its peak when teams are officially on the clock beginning April 30th.

This year we are tracking every player that the Baltimore Ravens talk to or reportedly show interest in. Whether it be a workout, interview, team visit, or simply a rumored bit of interest, we are going to cover them all. We’ll take a look at each prospect and discuss whether or not that particular player might represent a good pick for the Ravens.

A lot of draftniks are mocking Washington cornerback Marcus Peters to the Ravens, and for good reason. Peters is a top two talent at the position in this year’s draft, and the Ravens are desperate for help in the secondary. Peters is a guy who could step in and likely be an immediate upgrade on the existing roster. He is, in reality, a top ten pick based on talent alone.

Unfortunately, Peters comes with some baggage, which will likely cause him to fall to the end of the first round or even early in the second. He had a series on run ins with the Huskies coaching staff that ultimately led to his dismissal from the program last November. Peters was previously suspended a game for blowing up on the sideline following a penalty for head butting a player.

If a team like the Ravens feels like they can help Marcus Peters mature and put those issues behind him, they will be rewarded with a dominant talent at a premium position. Drawing comparisons to Aqib Talib (who also had his fair share of off field concerns coming into the pros), his physicality and athleticism regularly stood out against even the best competition in the college ranks.

Peters is a physical hitter who intimidates opponents. He has a nose for the ball in coverage, regularly intercepting or knocking down passes. He sticks to opposing receivers and shows great recognition, turning on the ball at the right time. He has the length, aggression, and ball skills to be a top flight NFL corner, without a doubt.

Much will hinge on how Peters conducts himself during team interviews. The Ravens took a similar risk with Jimmy Smith when they drafted him late in the first round, and that move has largely paid off. And even in spite of the ugly end to his tenure at Washington, Peters’ former coach has pledged to give NFL scouts a positive recommendation. Time will tell if that’s enough reassurance for a team to take a risk and spend a high pick on Peters.

Next: Here's a Rare Talent that May be Available for the Ravens

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