Baltimore Ravens: Two-round mock draft 3.0
By Joe Schiller
We’re just about one week since the official start of NFL free agency. Here’s another take on a two-round mock draft for the Baltimore Ravens.
NFL free agency has taken center-stage over the course of the past week. The Baltimore Ravens were among the busy teams but failed to make the cannonball splash many fans were expecting. Instead, they dipped their toes in the water, re-signing James Hurst and Brent Urban, along with adding John Brown and Michael Crabtree to bolster the wide receiving core.
Limited cap space has always been the Ravens’ kryptonite and their needs can’t solely be addressed in free agency. The draft provides a key opportunity to attempt to fill the remaining holes on the roster.
Using FanSpeak’s draft simulator, here’s a look at my latest two-round mock for the Ravens. My last draft had the front office selecting a cornerstone right tackle for the offensive line. This time around, a familiar receiver who’s been linked to Baltimore for months finally joins the team.
No. 16: Calvin Ridley WR, Alabama
Players also considered:
Calvin Ridley’s name should be a familiar tone for Baltimore Ravens fans. Since the conclusion of the 2017 college football season, Ridley has primarily been mocked to the purple and black at pick No. 16. That’s also where I have him falling. While Guice, McGlinchey, and Price provided intriguing options, it’s hard to ignore a major need.
Ridley’s NFL combine performance in early March left much to be desired. His vertical jump and broad jump ranked among the worst in the receiver class, leaving pundits concerned about his explosive ability. But no mistake about it, Ridley is still one of the top receivers heading into April. He’s a pro-ready product that can provide immediate production to the Ravens’ passing game.
This year’s wide receiver class isn’t loaded with first-round talent. Ridley has been really the only receiver consistently mocked in the first round. Given the needs of teams ahead of the Ravens, there’s a good shot Ridley fall to No. 16. With Newsome’s Alabama roots, I’m not sure he’d pass up the opportunity if it arises in April.
As much as John Brown and Michael Crabtree will help as veteran targets, the need at wide receiver doesn’t stop there. Signing cap casualties have been a working formula but there’s a desperate need to develop young talent in Baltimore.