NFL Network’s top draft expert only does one mock draft. In this mock draft he has the Baltimore Ravens selecting Haason Reddick:
If things go the way Mike Mayock predicts, the Baltimore Ravens are going to get a great player. That being said there will be plenty of reason for frustration. The Ravens biggest need is at wide receiver. Before you stop me, I know you’ve heard this before. I sound like a broken record, fine. The fact that Mayock has Corey Davis on the board, and the Ravens taking Reddick is flustering.
The purple and black may have a history of prioritizing their defense but they really need to help the offense. The 2000 Ravens won the Super Bowl with a dominant defense, despite their offense.
While defense can still win championships, the offense can’t do nothing. Corey Davis would come in and change the entire attack for the Ravens. Reddick would just compliment an already strong defense.
Reddick is a good player though. I have him ranked as the 16th best player on the board. From a value standpoint it would be hard to argue with Mr. Mayock. The question then becomes, how do the Ravens see Reddick. If they see him as an inside linebacker, they are drafting a secondary need in the first round. If they see him as a pass rusher, or a player they can move around, I like it a lot more.
Reddick is considered by many to be more of an inside linebacker, because he is undersized on the edge. First of all, he is an incredible athlete. Reddick ran a 4.52 second 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. Secondly, Reddick can bulk up some. He isn’t a finished product but with a good arsenal of pass rushing moves and incredible burst he could be a stud at outside linebacker. I kind of disagree with the narrative that he can’t live on the edge in the NFL. I think he will prove that narrative wrong, if he goes to a team that shares that vision.
Next: Pros & Cons To Drafting Haason Reddick
The Bottom Line:
Reddick is one of my favorite players in the draft. I think the options for him at the next level are limitless. I would just rather have a receiver. I’ve said it before and I will say it again until it happens (hopefully).