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Ebony Bird Round Table: The ideal pick for Baltimore Ravens at 22

By Chris Schisler

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver N'Keal Harry #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates after catching a nine yard touchdown reception against safety Scottie Young Jr. #19 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 42-30. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver N'Keal Harry #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates after catching a nine yard touchdown reception against safety Scottie Young Jr. #19 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 42-30. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 02: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels scores a touchdown during the second half of a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 02: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels scores a touchdown during the second half of a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Logan Barrett makes his pick:

If this past season proved anything, it’s that defenses win championships. Most people are expecting this upcoming draft to be a defensive-focused draft with the majority of the first 10 projected draft picks being defensive players, but I think the Ravens are going to start out on a different note.

Already proving that they have a top-tier defense this past season and with GM Eric DeCosta’s alterations of the defensive line-up in the free agency period, the Ravens can now focus their attention on where it needs it the most: depth in the wide receiver position.

I know many would rather have D.K. Metcalf from Ole Miss, but if you see how he performed against top defenses like Alabama and LSU, he only had five catches total. Metcalf’s advantage is shaking a cornerback and catching long balls, but that’s just not Lamar Jackson’s style. Jackson averages 7.1 yds per pass and is always a danger on his feet.

To match Jackson’s quick pace and short passes, I think that A.J. Brown from Ole Miss would be the best pick for the Ravens. Brown averages 7 catches and 110 yards per game and against the same Alabama and LSU defense, Brown had 13 catches and averaged 8.5 yards and 8.0 yards, respectively.

Not only can Brown catch short passes, but he can go long. Brown was primarily a slot receiver until Metcalf was injured where he stepped up and became the primary long receiver averaging 134 yards per game and 19.1 yards per catch. This versatility is what would benefit the receiving core and complement Jackson’s quick, short passing style.

Next. 3 surprising NFL Draft prospects Ravens could select. dark

Not only would Brown complement Jackson’s style, but also the current top receiver Willie Snead IV. Snead averages 10.5 yds per pass and is perfect for Jackson’s short passes, but the issue comes with the mid-range of the receiving core which is where Brown thrives. I believe that A.J. Brown would the best first-round pick for the Ravens and that his impact on the team could be the difference between a playoff berth especially with the Browns and Steelers on the up and coming.

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