NFL Draft 2018: Breaking down mock drafts for the Baltimore Ravens
ESPN
Defensive Line. Washington. Vita Vea. 16. player. 26. “The Ravens are in dire need of offensive playmakers, but there just isn’t the value at this point in the draft. What direction will GM Ozzie Newsome go for his final NFL draft? He has usually gone best player available, and that’s what I see Baltimore doing here. Vea is a versatile defensive lineman who has drawn comparisons to Haloti Ngata and should put up some big numbers at the combine.” <em>— Todd McShay</em>
This is certainly an out there pick for Baltimore at 16. With two nose tackles already starting for the Ravens defensive line, why add a third?
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The idea of starting three 330+ pound defensive linemen seems silly. There simply wouldn’t be a pass rush from the defensive line. What is an interesting thought, however, is how free linebackers like C.J. Mosley would be to clobber the opponents run game. After all, having essentially three nose tackles would take up too many blocks and let the defense get free consistently.
Matching Vita Vea with Brandon Williams and Michael Pierce is certainly an interesting idea. Maybe it isn’t as crazy as what you’d think. But, I’d eat my hat if this actually happened.