The Baltimore Ravens are trying to build their wide receiving corps through free agency, opening up options in the NFL Draft. Offensive tackles have been mock drafted to the Ravens. Here is the problem with that:
The Ravens could target an offensive tackle in the first round. If they drafted a player like UCLA’s Kolton Miller or went with another Notre Dame tackle in Mike McGlinchey, they would get a good player. The problem is that the Ravens offensive line doesn’t really need a right tackle as badly as many people think they do. Secondly, drafting a right tackle in the first round isn’t the best value for the 16th overall pick.
The Ravens have Ronnie Stanley at left tackle, and he’s not going anywhere, no matter who the Ravens select. Having bookend offensive tackles would be nice, but the Ravens may already have them. When the purple and black brought back James Hurst, it made it fairly obvious that Alex Lewis would end up at right tackle.
Hurst can play right tackle, but he is much better at left guard. That is where Hurst has value as a starter, and the Ravens should keep him there.
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Lewis is returning after missing the 2017 season, however we know what he can do. Lewis is a more sure answer than an offensive tackle the Ravens could take in the NFL Draft. With Lewis, Marshall Yanda and Nico Siragusa coming back, the Ravens offensive line is almost completely set for 2018. Could they draft a center? Yes, but Matt Skura could end up being a viable option at that position.
Assuming the Ravens add another wide receiver in free agency, the Ravens will have options. The problem is that an offensive tackle isn’t at the top of the Ravens priorities. The Ravens would be better suited taking a player that gives them something they don’t already have. It could be play-maker like Courtland Sutton or Derrius Guice. It could be a linebacker like Leighton Vander Esch or Trumaine Edmunds. One thing is clear, any of these picks would move the needle more than an offensive tackle.
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If the Ravens take an offensive tackle in the first round, it won’t be the end of the world. This is a great draft class when it comes to the offensive line and they should get a good player. The best value however, is at other positions because of the Ravens underrated talent and flexibility along their offensive line.