Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 2015 NFL Draft Sleepers

By Cam Clow

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Running Back

The Ravens have locked up Justin Forsett with a new contract, but that certainly won’t make running back any less of a need in this year’s draft. In fact, Newsome has identified Forsett’s value as a mentor to younger backs at his previous stints in Seattle with Marshawn Lynch and Houston with Arian Foster.

Either way, the Ravens will likely add a running back through the Draft.

The buzz will be around guys like Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley and Jay Ajayi, but the Ravens can find great value in a devalued position later in the draft.

Jeremy Langford makes for a fantastic option. He’s projected as a 2nd-3rd pick and if he slips to the third round he’ll be a steal for Baltimore. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash in the NFL Combine and is a well developed blocker. He’s also competent in the screen game.

Langford could get snagged before the Ravens wish, but fear not, for the best value is probably deeper in the draft.

Two words: Javorius Allen.

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tailback Javorius Allen (37) is pursued by Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Austin Williams (24) on a 44-yard touchdown run in the third quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s surprising not see Allen projected higher than the 3rd-4th round after watching him destroy the Pac-12 last year. Allen was one of the few bright spots for USC after accumulating 1,489 rush yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

He also added 41 receptions.

Receiving out of the backfield has proven an effective focal point in Trestman’s offense. Matt Forte had 102 receptions out of the backfield in said offense last season and set career highs in receptions both years in Trestman’s system. 

CBSSports.com’s Rob Rang wrote this about Allen:

Possesses deceptive power and acceleration due to his slashing running style. Runs with good forward lean, initiating contact and showing good leg drive to generate yards after contact. Possesses soft hands out of the backfield and shows the ability to adjust to make tough grabs. Alert, physical pass blocker. Comes with experience in Sarkisian’s pro-style offense and theoretically should be able to contribute early in his NFL career.

If the thought of picking that up in the third or fourth round doesn’t have you salivating, then I don’t know what will.

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