Baltimore Ravens target playmakers in seven-round mock draft
By Darin McCann
Third round, pick 92
Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah — This is another one of my crushes. He is athletic and plays with a burning passion every single play. He can afford to get stronger, but guess where he will do that? That’s right! An NFL strength program. Anae can stand up or stick his hand in the dirt and he will provide a spark every time he steps on the field. Sure thing? Not even a little bit. But he is the kind of guy you like having on your team, and the potential is there for him to be an effective player for years to come.
Third round, pick 106
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington — I went into this draft not even having tight end on my radar, to be honest with you, but as this pick came up, and I saw Bryant there… well, he can fill a spot for this offense. Particularly after the loss of Hayden Hurst. Bryant has explosiveness in the passing game, and he can add something to the team, particularly if Mark Andrews has to miss any time. I’m not a fan of his blocking ability, but the Ravens have Nick Boyle and Pat Ricard to blow up those edges. Bryant is another weapon for Jackson’s arsenal.
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Fourth round, pick 129
Lynn Bowden Jr, WR, Kentucky — Bowden can do it all on offense. He stepped in as a running quarterback for Kentucky this season after starting the season as their best receiving threat. He can fill a role with this team in a variation of their “Heisman offense,” by taking a direct snap and leading the play, taking end-arounds, catching short passes and breaking tackles for an explosive play or simply running deep downfield and catching a bomb. Bowden Jr. can be that “X” factor that wins one or two games a season with a big play.
Fourth round, pick 134
Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland — The late-season Mark Ingram injury notwithstanding, the Ravens were pretty fortunate with injuries last season. They are also a run-oriented team that swaps in running backs throughout the course of the game. Enter a fourth back to the rotation, who brings speed, quickness and explosion to the offense. This is yet another playmaker for the Ravens to unleash this season, and if even half these guys work out, they will present opponents even more challenges than last season.