The Baltimore Ravens must prioritize their needs in the NFL Draft. It’s not best player available this year. It’s best player available that fills a need:
The Baltimore Ravens walked into the offseason with a big handful of needs. Through smart signings they have narrowed it down to just a few needs, a workable to do list. Now they have to check everything off in the NFL Draft. The Ravens cannot just take the best player available, the tried and usually true method of Ozzie Newsome. They have to fill their gaping holes on the roster.
Their draft strategy shouldn’t be all that complicated in the first round. They should go into the draft thinking they will get one of top three receivers. This is their biggest need. It’s really Corey Davis, Mike Williams, John Ross or bust for the Ravens. The Ravens top receiver is Mike Wallace and there isn’t much depth behind him. There isn’t a team more desperate for a game changer at wide receiver, than the Ravens.
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Since the Ravens have less to do in the draft than they did before free agency, trading up should be a real option. This draft is about grabbing the future, it’s about finding a way. If two of the three amazingly can’t miss options at receiver are there at the 10th pick, the Ravens would be crazy not to trade up. The Ravens tried to trade up to get Jalen Ramsey this year, it’s not like they never think about this aggressive strategy.
Contingency Plans:
If the Ravens get stuck at 16 with all three receivers off the board, than they have options. If any of those receivers is available, they don’t think, they don’t pass go, they go directly to their guy. With the receivers off the board though, the Ravens have plenty of options. They could address the offensive line with a guy like Ryan Ramczyk. They could take the best pass rusher available.
What if the Ravens deem Caleb Brantley the best player available though? The Ravens just signed Brandon Williams to a huge deal, they can’t justify taking a nose guard. What if Jamal Adams is the best player available? The Ravens have Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson, they don’t need a safety.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: 1st and 2nd Round Mock Draft 4.0
The point is that the Ravens need a game changer. They need to solve a problem with their first pick. In fact, each pick has to solve a problem. They can’t justify spending a pick on a player they don’t need and stocking him behind players they already have. The best player available model is a good one. However when you have weaknesses like the Ravens have at the receiver and offensive line positions, you have to target the best player at your needs.