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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Cornerbacks For Ravens To Target

By Chris Schisler

Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) and defensive back Marcus Maye (20) combine to tackle Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) and defensive back Marcus Maye (20) combine to tackle Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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2016 NFL Draft: Ravens Need Cornerback

The Ravens did their secondary a huge favor with the signing of Eric Weddle. The Ravens now need to focus on the cornerback position. The Ravens cornerback situation is pretty bleak. They have Jimmy Smith, Kyle Arrington and Shareece Wright as their main three corners. Smith didn’t have the greatest 2015 campaign but he is a very strong performer at the cornerback position. The Ravens need somebody to play opposite of Smith. Wright makes a strong nickel corner, he really grew as a football player last season.

Here are five cornerbacks the Ravens can target in the Draft

Jalen Ramsey (FSU): Ramsey is the best overall player in the draft in my book. He has the versatility to play cornerback or safety. Ramsey has good technique in man coverage and his high football IQ makes him dangerous in zone coverage. He has good timing when interrupting a receiver in the act of catching a football. Ramsey has ball skills, and knows how to make a receiver’s life miserable. Ramsey is the total package. It is possible that Ramsey falls to the Ravens at the sixth pick, yet it isn’t likely. Projected Pick: Top 10

Vernon Hargreaves (Florida): Hargreaves is a slightly undersized cornerback and I worry about his durability. I wouldn’t draft him in the top 10 but if he was still available in the middle of the first round, he could be a sensational player. If the Ravens traded back, this could be an option. Hargreaves is fast and can jump routes. He has ball skills and is very aggressive. Projected Pick: Top 20

Eli Apple (Ohio State): From a physical perspective, Apple may be the best looking prospect on the board as far as the cornerback position. He is 6’1” and weighs 200 pounds. He has long arms and is a good athlete. Apple is a big physical cornerback who would be a good complement to Jimmy Smith. This could also be a player the Ravens could target if they trade out of the sixth pick to acquire more picks. Projected Pick: Round 1

Kendal Fuller (VT): The Ravens could maybe be able to snag Fuller off the board with their second round pick. Fuller is a good athlete and if he had a bigger frame he would be a sure-thing first round pick. Fuller is an aggressive corner with ball skills. He is a similar player to his brother Kyle Fuller, who starts for the Chicago Bears. Projected Pick: Late Round 1 to Middle Round 2

Xavien Howard (Baylor): Howard is a player that I can see the Ravens taking in the third or fourth round. He is a big 6’2” cornerback that reminds me a lot of Jimmy Smith. He has ball skills, size and recovery speed. The Ravens can get him a little later in the draft. Meaning that they can prioritize a pass rusher in round one if they wanted to go this route. Projected Pick Round 3-4

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The Ravens have to address the cornerback position. This is just a glimpse at some of their options. Keep it tuned into the Ebony Bird where we will start to ramp up our NFL Draft Coverage. The Ravens have to get gold in the NFL Draft and we will have you covered leading up to the gold rush.

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