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2020 NFL Mock Draft: Ravens trade up for an Alabama receiver

By Michael Natelli

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 14: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after pulling in a touchdown reception against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 14: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after pulling in a touchdown reception against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 5: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 5: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Second Round 60th pick overall:

60. player. 812. . Running back. Buckeyes . J.K. Dobbins

Let’s get this out of the way, first: Mark Ingram had a terrific season in 2019, and was fully deserving of his Pro Bowl nod. Gus Edwards also looked capable of being a starting running back on plenty of teams. But 2020 will be Ingram’s age 30 season, and Edwards is only on a one-year ERFA tender. The Ravens could save $5-million against the cap by cutting Ingram after 2020, and Edwards could be poised to get a decent payday of his own next offseason if he continues to produce like he did in 2019. Is that to say neither Baltimore won’t have either beyond 2020? Perhaps not, but the running back room is certainly not built for the long haul.

Thus we turn to Ohio State’s J.K Dobbins, who was highlighted by our Chris Schisler as a.potential Ravens draft target that hasn’t gotten much attention. The Buckeyes are notorious for churning out quality NFL running backs, and Dobbins would make an exciting addition to the Ravens rushing attack. Is this something of a luxury pick? Perhaps. But again, we’re looking to construct a undefendable” offense.

Building out a three-headed monster that puts Dobbins with Ingram and Edwards would help sustain the rushing game as Ingram ages, and would ensure that the Ravens aren’t left having to start from scratch at the running back position if they do part with Ingram and see Edwards walk next March. With so much depth in the mix in Baltimore, Dobbins would also be poised to enter his second year having put minimal tread on the tires in Year one.

Something that makes Dobbins an exciting fit with the Ravens is his ability to make quick and smart decisions in tight spaces. Decision-making is always a valuable part of a running back’s skill set, but is all the more important in the read-option elements of the Baltimore offense when there are often defenders already in the backfield when the ball carrier takes off.

Dobbins is able to create his own space, has the burst to rip off big chunks of yardage, and also has the necessary pass-catching talents to ultimately grow into a three-down running back. Here, we have move to limit the running load of Lamar Jackson, address “now and later” at the same time, and put Greg Roman in position to make sure the offense can take another step forward in 2020.

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