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NFL Draft: How Will the Ravens Approach the First Round?

By Mitchell Wolfman

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi’s Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi’s Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

I take a look at the different ways the Baltimore Ravens can go in the first round

By now, Ravens fans should be used to Ozzie Newsome’s ‘best player available’ approach to the draft. But by looking at the team’s first round picks in recent year, you can see that they drafted the best players that also best addressed a need on the roster. Matt Elam was drafted when Ed Reed left for Houston, C.J. Mosley after Ray Lewis retired, Breshad Perriman when Torrey Smith joined the 49ers, and Ronnie Stanley after Eugene Monroe’s forgettable stint.

Be that as it may, the Ravens are unfortunate to have more than the offensive line to worry about. Wide receiver, pass rush, inside linebacker and cornerback are all holes the the team must fill. However, whichever position they’ll choose to draft will depend on the players remaining at the 16th pick and how they rank on the Ravens board.

For example, pass rush was an apparent need prior to the 2016 draft and defensive end DeForest Buckner was available to pick. Buckner was regarded as one of the best edge defenders in the draft but the Ravens ultimately went with Stanley instead. As much as Buckner’s production last season would’ve looked nice in purple and black, what looks the nicest is a healthy Joe Flacco – the most attractive man in the NFL. To stay attractive, the Ravens wanted to keep Flacco’s blind side pretty rather than improving the pass rush.

The Ravens are on the clock…

Upon entering the 2017 NFL Draft, the two largest needs the Ravens have are at offensive line and wide receiver. The departures of Jeremy Zuttah and Ricky Wagner created major needs at center and right tackle respectively. The retirement of Steve Smith, Sr. and farewell to Kamar Aiken left the wide receiver corps bone dry. Due to the importance and urgency of these positions, it would make most sense to address them in the first round. Although pass rush, inside linebacker and cornerback are also reasonable candidates, they’re most likely to be looked at in the second or third round.

The following is a list of players by position I could see the Ravens drafting in the first round:

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