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Ravens Draft: The Case Against Drafting Ryan Ramczyk

By Chris Schisler

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) blocks Western Michigan Broncos defensive end Keion Adams (1) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) blocks Western Michigan Broncos defensive end Keion Adams (1) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Ramczyk is the best offensive tackle in the 2017 NFL Draft, but the Baltimore Ravens should go elsewhere with the 16th pick:

Ryan Ramczyk would solve a problem for the Baltimore Ravens. He would come in and be an instant replacement to Rick Wagner. In fact, he would probably be better than Wagner, who the Detroit Lions just shelled out a lot of money for. It would keep Alex Lewis at left guard and it would help solidify the offensive line as a whole. It’s easy to see why Ramczyk is being tabbed as a potential pick for the Ravens.

The case against Ramczyk, actually has little to do with Ramczyk. He has left tackle written all over him. The Wisconsin product is a hot commodity as Thursday approaches. It’s like a multiple choice question; Ramczyk may not be a completely wrong choice, but there is a more correct answer. The Ravens have bigger needs. They can address the offensive line later in the draft.

Other Needs Must Be Prioritized

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The Ravens desperately need a receiver. Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman and Chris Moore, does not make a complete receiving group. Michael Campanaro is probably not going to stay healthy for a full 16 game season. The Ravens need a number one receiver, and they have never had one. Corey Davis and Mike Williams must be plan A and plan B in this draft class.

The Ravens need help at the outside linebacker position. Za’Darius Smith took a step backwards in 2016. He’s awful against the run and is inconsistent as a pass rusher. Matt Judon is very promising, but the Ravens can’t bank on him being a beast in his sophomore season. Haason Reddick, Taco Charlton, Charles Harris and Derek Barnett could all be in play with the 16th pick.

The Ravens can get offensive line help later in the draft. Isaac Asiata is a guard that could behoove the Ravens run game for years to come. Antonio Garcia is a tackle from Troy that has impeccable footwork. Ethan Pocic is a center from LSU that could start right away. These players can be targeted in the third and fourth round. Ramczyk’s value is down a bit, because there are comparable alternatives at a much lesser investment.

The Bottom Line:

Ramczyk is a good player, but he isn’t special. He would solve a problem and he would make an impact. What the Ravens really need though is a player who changes everything. They need a play-maker for the offense or a defensive player that can get to the quarterback.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft: Best Case Scenario For Ravens

The Ravens drafted Ronnie Stanley last season. Do you really want the Ravens taking an offensive tackle two years in a row, in the first round? Ozzie has to get a guy that elevates the team. Corey Davis makes a huge difference. Haason Reddick would be monumental for the immediate future. Ramczyk would be a first round right tackle, with Stanley locked in on the left.

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