NFL Draft: The Ravens should heavily consider trading back
By Cory Hughes
In result of not getting a sixth-round compensatory pick instead of a third or a fourth, trading down in the NFL draft to add more picks should be on the checklist of things to do.
Remember physics class in high school? Recall learning about Murphy’s laws? The third one was: What can go wrong, will go wrong. That’s been the story of the Baltimore Ravens for the last three years and their luck doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
If you keep up with draft news, the NFL released the compensatory picks each team will get for the 2018 NFL draft. The Ravens and their fan base were under the impression the team would be receiving an extra third-round pick. That didn’t work out in their favor. They were awarded a sixth-round pick instead. Not receiving that extra third-round pick is certainly a liver shot to the front office, as the Ravens were probably under the impression they were getting an extra third, as well.
Having an extra mid-round pick was something general manager Ozzie Newsome and the front office probably viewed as crucially beneficial. It’s not a secret that the Ravens’ offense needs as much firepower as they can get, especially at the skilled positions. So, having two third-round picks to spend would’ve been something they valued. Now that they don’t, have they considered trading back to add more picks? And if they haven’t, why not?
Like last year, the Ravens aren’t in the most comfortable position. Their first-round pick is smack dab in the middle of the first round at No. 16. The most coveted offensive prospects could very well be gone by the time Ozzie Newsome is on the clock in the first round for the very last time. If the Ravens don’t plan on asking around, they should at least listen if anyone does come calling for the 16th overall pick.
Cases for trading down and staying put where they are
There are a handful of players in this draft class that the Ravens would be crazy to pass on, if they end being there at 16. Calvin Ridley, Courtland Sutton, Derrius Guice, Quenton Nelson, Josh Jackson, Roquan Smith, are certainly some of the names Ozzie and the front office would love to see available when 16 rolls around.
It’s very possible that once the Ravens are on the clock, all those names could be long gone. And if it’s the case, they should either make some calls or hope someone comes calling regarding that pick. There is a lot of mid-round talent when looking at the wide receiver and tight end positions. The Ravens undeniably need assistance at both spots on their offense.
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A lot of draft analysts will tell you the true talent at wide receiver will be available in the mid rounds. Guys like Colorado State’s Michael Gallup, Oklahoma State’s Marcell Ateman and James Washington, Memphis’s Anthony Miller, Florida State’s Auden Tate, Clemson’s Deon Cain and abundance of others. Having an extra mid-round pick to grab two of those names to give quarterback Joe Flacco to throw to would certainly change things for the Ravens’ offense in 2018.