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Baltimore Ravens Round Table: Predicting The 16th Pick

By Chris Schisler

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) in action during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) in action during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick 16: Reuben Foster

This is a bit of a wild card pick here but it is right up the Ravens alley. Inside linebacker is not one of their tops needs, but it is still a need. After the retirement of Zach Orr, there is a big hole to fill. The top option in-house would be second year linebacker Kamalei Correa. He was drafted as a edge rusher, but could make the transition to inside linebacker if needed. If Reuben Foster is there, the Ravens need to take him.

Must Read: 3 Draft Alternatives To Reuben Foster

Foster has been projected as a top-10 pick, but his stock could take a hit on Thursday. It was recently announced that he had a diluted drug test at the NFL combine. A diluted sample is not necessarily the same thing as a failed test, but the NFL treats it the same way. When Foster enters the league he will be subjected to periodic and unannounced drug test. The Ravens took Timmy Jernigan in the second round of the 2014 draft when he also had a diluted sample. He did not have any other problems once he got into the NFL.

We know that Ozzie Newsome has the in on everything Alabama. If any general manager is going to know the most about Foster, it is Newsome. I cannot see Foster dropping out of the top 15-20. His talent is just too much to pass on. Luckily for the Ravens, he could be sitting there at #16. Foster finished his senior season with 115 tackles and 13 for a loss. Pair him with C.J. Mosley and you have one of the best young inside linebacker duos in the NFL. The Ravens can afford to do this since the draft is deep in a lot of their other big needs like wide receiver, pass rusher and cornerback.

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