2018 NFL Draft: Ravens should only trade up if it makes sense

It could be tempting for the Baltimore Ravens to move up in the draft but they should only do it if it makes sense.

The Baltimore Ravens understand the outside noise. They know they need to add offensive playmakers this offseason, notably at the receiver position. If it’s not through free agency because of limited cap space then the NFL draft is the next best thing.

The problem is, drafting receivers in the early rounds is the Ravens’ Achilles heel. In their 22 years as a franchise, the Ravens have selected a wide receiver in the first round just three times. (Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton, Breshad Perriman). It’s safe to say none lived up to expectations.

This year’s draft class presents yet another tempting opportunity for the position with names like Calvin Ridley, Cortland Sutton, Christian Kirk, and D.J. Moore as potential first-round picks. Smack dab in the middle of the first round at No. 16, the Ravens will be tempted to take a playmaker and even move up if necessary. That’s a rarity with Ozzie Newsome but the increased pressure this offseason could change things. Having said all of this, the Ravens should only trade up for one receiver and that’s Calvin Ridley. If the Ravens do trade up, it should be a trade that makes sense, not one out of desperation.

Ridley looks like the most NFL-ready receiver coming into the draft. He’s a polished route-runner and had a solid collegiate career at Alabama. Just think of the numbers Ridley could have produced with Tua Tagovailoa but that’s a story for a different day. The point is, Ridley is a stud but there’s a slim chance he’s on the board at No. 16. There are teams ahead of the Ravens that also need wide receiver help. The Bears at No. 8 are the perfect example.

So, what should the Ravens do?

Trading up eight spots seems simple enough but in the first round of the NFL draft, that’s like upgrading your passenger van to a Lamborghini. It’s going to cost you a lot. And for a team like the Ravens who value their draft picks, I’m not sure Ozzie would be willing to give up what some other general managers would. Given the needs, it might not make sense in the first place. Whether the Ravens move up will depend on what happens on draft night. If it’s quarterback heavy in the top-10, maybe Ridley falls. If not, he could be scooped up quick.

No receiver other than Ridley is worth trading up for. If Ridley is off the board come draft night, there’s no guarantee the Ravens take a receiver in the first round. ESPN’s Mel Kiper, who’s a Baltimore native and very familiar with the team had this interesting take.

To Kiper’s point, it makes sense. If the Ravens select an offensive tackle like Brian O’Neill in the first round, I wouldn’t hate it. Sure it’s not the sexy pick but neither was Ronnie Stanley two years ago. The wide receiver class this year is deep and playmakers can be found past the first round. Just look at JuJu Smith-Schuster and Cooper Kupp, a second and third round pick who had tremendous success their rookie years. Ravens fans watched all season wishing they had talent like that.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: Top 5 wide receiver prospects (Ravens biggest need)

So while there’s no denying the Ravens need offensive help, it’s better to play it smart then reach for a bust.