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Baltimore Ravens: 3 lessons they have clearly learned

By Chris Schisler

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a two-yard touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a two-yard touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Lamar Jackson of Louisville after he was picked #32 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Lamar Jackson of Louisville after he was picked #32 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

2. It’s time to look toward the future:

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The Ravens seem to always be in win-now mode. Ozzie Newsome always seems to be building the best 53 man roster for the following season rather than setting up long-term success. The time is now to look to the future and Newsome and GM to be Eric DeCosta aren’t blind to that. The Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson and that is a move for the future.

Not just about Jackson:

In addition to drafting Jackson the Ravens also drafted two wide receivers on day three of the NFL Draft. They obviously hope Jordan Lasley and Jaleel Scott can contribute right away, but these are developmental players. They won’t be leaned on, they won’t be the centerpiece of the offense and they will have to earn every snap of football they get. Lasley has huge potential and Scott has a drool worthy catch radius but these are players that are going to have to find their fit in the NFL.

After filling needs, the Ravens found themselves making wise moves for down the road. DeShon Elliott isn’t needed for 2018, but when Eric Weddle moves on, Elliott will have a chance to be a starter. Anthony Averett didn’t fill a team need, but he adds another good component of depth to the secondary. Greg Senat has potential, but he isn’t going to see the field in 2018 (hopefully). The Ravens helped the team for the 2018 season, but they looked beyond that in this NFL Draft.

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