2017 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens Best Case Scenario
3rd Round #78 Overall OL Ethan Pocic LSU
It’s so hard to pick even at this spot in the draft. There should be several decent players available, but the evaluations start to get closer and closer. You could go running back with a Kareem Hunt or Marlon Mack, but the roster already features West, Allen, and Woodhead. Another receiver? Well, if they take Davis in the first round, the Ravens then feature Perriman, Wallace, Davis, and Campanaro.
The Ravens are known for taking the best player available, and in this case, Baltimore gets a steal if Ethan Pocic falls into their lap. During his tenure at LSU, Pocic played every position along the offensive line. He ended up as the All-SEC C this season as he finished his college career.
The Baltimore Ravens exhibit a consistent offensive line. Something was missing last season after Kelechi Osemele left for Oakland. Now, Pocic is not going to replace Osemele, but his positional range allows him to make an immediate impact. Even if he doesn’t start right away, Pocic’s ability to play every position quickly lands him as the sixth man.
There are reasons Pocic drops to the third round even in a soft offensive line draft class. He lacks that sudden burst off the ball which causes him problems against nose tackles. Basically, he’s not the best athlete at his position. He gets pushed into the backfield by defenders too often.
Next: Round Table: Baltimore Ravens Mock Draft 2017
At the next level, Pocic needs to improve his strength and lower his pad level to keep interior defensive lineman from blowing plays in the backfield. He does enough things right to become a solid backup and possibly an eventual starter in the NFL. With the amount of pass rush talent in this year’s draft, Baltimore may need all the offensive lineman they can get.