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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 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs with the ball as Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) defends during the first quarter of the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs with the ball as Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) defends during the first quarter of the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Jason Belschner

Pick 16: Corey Davis

Corey Davis fell off the radar for many people because he missed the combine and his pro day. The nagging ankle injury has possibly forced a talented player down the board. If still on the board, Davis would most certainly be the best player available and fill a major need for the Baltimore Ravens.

As a four-year starter at Western Michigan, Davis built his game to rival any receiver in the nation. His size and impressive route running ability led to numerous receiving records. His 5278 receiving yards is an FBS record. Plus, he set Mid-American Conference marks for receptions and receiving touchdowns.

The fact he never ran a 40 during the draft process and that he didn’t face much competition in college leaves some doubt regarding his transition to the NFL. Until he faced Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl, Northwestern posed the best competition on Western Michigan’s schedule. With that said, Davis did catch six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in the Cotton Bowl.

Also, based on last year’s performance, several draft experts list him as the top wide receiver in the draft. NFL Networks’ Daniel Jeremiah places him #8 on his top 50 prospect list. This places him one spot above Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams.

Personally, I like Williams better, but there is no chance he is still on the board when the Baltimore Ravens pick at #16. There is a chance that Davis will be gone too, but the Ravens need him to be there. Currently, Joe Flacco doesn’t have a true number one receiver. Last season, Dennis Pitta led the team in targets with 119 because he was the only player consistently getting open on the shorter routes that are crucial to Marty Mornhinweg’s west coast system. Davis’ route running ability and size not only gives Flacco an additional option, but he will also open up the deep ball for Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman.

Taking Corey Davis at #16 makes too much sense, and I didn’t even talk about his massive red zone production. If he is still on the board.

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