2019 NFL Draft: Top scenarios for Baltimore Ravens

Trade down:

Without a doubt, trading down appears to be the most likely scenario to play out on Thursday night. The Baltimore Ravens are currently without a second round pick, and hold just eight selections total. Considering this will be GM Eric DeCosta’s first rodeo as the top dog in the front office, it would be best to get as much ammo as possible.

While this isn’t to say DeCosta is a raw drafter and may struggle, it would still be in the Ravens best interest to make sure he has as plenty of attempts to nail picks. Not only this, but Baltimore has plenty of needs fans aren’t willing to admit. Besides a top wide receiver and some interior offensive line depth, the edge rushing core needs a makeover and youth is needed in the secondary. The running back depth chart is thin, and game-changing defensive linemen should be in demand. It also wouldn’t hurt to get some more linebackers.

By trading down, the Baltimore Ravens would maximize their ability to continue adding youth and talent to their recently depleted roster. Off-seasons like Baltimore just experienced can derail a franchise, and the Ravens staff isn’t currently in the business for rebuilding. Instead, they hope to reload by replacing expensive players with cheaper, younger versions of them.

Besides, the Ravens could find themselves better value trading down than if they were to stay at 22 overall. Players like Michigan’s Chase Winovich (edge rusher), South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel and Stanford’s JJ Arcega-Whiteside (wide receivers), and Alabama’s Mack Wilson (linebacker) present great options for Baltimore should the trade back in round one, or even out of it all together.

The Baltimore Ravens will be one of the 2019 NFL Draft’s most intriguing teams to watch. Based off unpredictability, a new GM, and the team’s willingness to trade down, the Ravens are certainly holding the cards as to the madness that could occur on draft night.