First-round, pick 28
Patrick Queen, linebacker, LSU — As I said, I was thinking Mims going into this, but he was gone. Queen has some concerns for me (sometimes tackles a little high, gets locked up by interior blockers), but he has every tool in the box, and elevated his game throughout the season, culminating in a national championship. Playing behind Calais Campbell and company, and being unleashed to blitz in this defense, only helps his stock.
Second round, pick 55
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State — I’m not sure if this would have still been the pick had I landed Mims, but I have been intrigued by Aiyuk all offseason. I feel like he brings serious run-after-the-catch ability, and could impact games very early in his career as a returner. I’m loving the thought of him and Marquise Brown zipping past each other on shallow crosses while Lamar Jackson buys time to see who breaks free first.
Second round, pick 60
Justin Madubuike, IDL, Texas A&M — This was influenced by the recent news that the Ravens lost Michael Brockers back to the Rams. I’m not sure the second round is when I would have jumped on a lineman had Brockers stayed with the team. But, Madubuike is no slouch. He can play basically anywhere along the line and excels in penetration. That always comes in handy, and with the Ravens getting a surprise opening on the line, I’ll take this cat from Texas A&M.