Acceptable picks: Nothing to complain about, solid drafting:
1. Kenneth Murray, Linebacker (Oklahoma)
It would be hard to complain about getting the most athletically gifted linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft class. Murray would be a common sense pick for the Ravens. In fact, having him only in the acceptable bracket shows you how much I value Queen. Murray would be a great shot at filling a need at the inside linebacker position.
Murray is coming off back to back seasons at Oklahoma where his team participated in the College Football Playoff. Murray is a battle tested linebacker with 325 tackles in his three-year run with the Sooners. Murray would be a choice at 28 that wouldn’t be second guessed by many people.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
2. A.J. Epenesa, Edge rusher (Iowa)
A.J. Epensa’s draft stock went down a bit after the NFL Scouting Combine, yet the tape is solid. He’s one of my favorite prospects in this draft class because I think he’s a tough player in the trenches. He was perfect for the style of play in the Big 10 conference and that will transition well into the rough AFC North way of doing things.
His combine numbers shouldn’t knock him out of the first round. Epenesa had back to back seasons with over 10 sacks at Iowa. He was a tackle for a loss machine at the college level. The Ravens should feel comfortable if they take Epenesa. He’s going to be a good player in the NFL.
3. Ross Blacklock, Defensive tackle (TCU)
Even with the additions of Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe, the defensive line is a way the Ravens can go. It’s important to remember that Wolfe has a checkered injury history and having fresh legs up front is never a bad idea. Ross Blacklock is a very imposing defensive lineman.
He’s 6’3″ and 290 pounds with a very solid frame. He ran a 4.9 second 40 yard dash and has a very good first step. The eye test is something Blacklock easily passed for me. He’s got the markings of a Pro Bowl player.
4. Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge rusher (Penn State)
Yetur Gross-Matos looks like a first round pick. He’s got a lengthy build and he had 17 sacks in the past two seasons at Penn State. While his game needs some polish, he’s got plenty of upside. If the Ravens take a shot on Gross-Matos it wouldn’t be a surprise. Gross-Matos has been one of the most common picks for the Ravens in mock drafts.