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2019 NFL Draft: Top targets Baltimore Ravens should look at

By Richard Bradshaw

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver N'Keal Harry #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils walks on the field during the college football game against the Michigan State Spartans at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Spartans 16-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver N'Keal Harry #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils walks on the field during the college football game against the Michigan State Spartans at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Spartans 16-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Jaylen Smith #9 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Jaylen Smith #9 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defensive backs:

The Ravens secondary is strong, but they can always use upgrades and a youth movement. Eric Weddle could be a cap casualty following 2018 because of his age, but Tony Jefferson is starting to look like the safety Baltimore payed for. The same can be said of Jimmy Smith, while Tavon Young will be a free agent after 2019. The 2019 NFL Draft has tons of talent in the secondary that can help to assure the Ravens secondary remains a strength for years to come.

Alabama safety Deionte Thompson is one of the best defenders in this draft and is a terrific all-around player. Thompson has shown ball-hawking ability while also proving to be a solid tackler. Thompson is the complete package for today’s hybrid safety. Meanwhile, Washington’s Taylor Rapp is the hard-hitting leader a defense looks for. Rapp and Jefferson would give Baltimore a very aggressive back-end.

The Ravens won’t have the luxury of getting themselves a second elite cornerback opposite Marlon Humphrey, but they can get his running-mate to provide stability at the position. Georgia’s Deandre Baker is incredibly underrated headed into the 2019 NFL Draft and could be the ultimate compliment to Humphrey outside. Baker has been tested all year long and remains untouchable. His seven career interceptions and 18 pass defends over the last two years speak highly of the kind of corner Baker can be.

Notre Dame’s Julian Love has displayed big-play during his time with the Fighting Irish. As a sophomore, Love took two interceptions to the house and has five in just shy of three years in South Bend. Finally, Byron Murphy of the University of Washington is hopeful to be next in-line for the Huskies’s secondary pipeline to the NFL. A red-shirt sophomore, Murphy already looks like a round one talent and could be an option for Baltimore in round one.

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The Baltimore Ravens will head into the 2019 NFL Draft with plenty of needs and just as many directions to go. At 4-5, we aren’t sure where they’ll be drafting yet but we can be assured that they can find a difference maker at the top of the draft.

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