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Mike Reid’s seven-round Baltimore Ravens 2020 NFL Draft mock

By Mike Reid

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 25: Laviska Shenault Jr. #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes carries the ball for a 73-yard touchdown catch against the USC Trojans in the third quarter of a game at Folsom Field on October 25, 2019, in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 25: Laviska Shenault Jr. #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes carries the ball for a 73-yard touchdown catch against the USC Trojans in the third quarter of a game at Folsom Field on October 25, 2019, in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

There might not be a more polarizing player in the wide receiver class than Laviska Shenault. On the surface, from just a physical and pure talent stand-point, Shenault is just below the big-three at wide receiver (CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs). Fans and draft analysts are either in love with his size, speed, and play-making ability. Or they are completely turned off from his injuries and lack of polish at wide receiver. This love/hate situation regarding Shenualt reminds me of D.K. Metcalf last year. A Pro Bowl talent that fell to pick #64 due to similar question marks. As a rookie, Metcalf went on to show he is an absolute monster wide receiver and the questions about him were pretty much answered.

Shenault is a first-round talent no doubt, he is also as boom-or-bust as they come. At pick #55, I believe the Ravens are in a great spot to take the risk and add Shenualt to their offense. He is a big-time YAC specialist that can line-up outside, in the slot, or even in the backfield. He will open up more opportunities for Hollywood Brown and Mark Andrews. I have faith Greg Roman will use him more as a pure offensive weapon rather than a typical wide receiver. If the Ravens do that, Laviska will take the Ravens offense to the next level.

Related Story. Baltimore Ravens scouting reports: Julian Okwara a high-ceiling edge rusher. light

Eric DeCosta made it his top priority this off-season to improve the Ravens front-seven and add some pass-rushing help. With Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe in Ravens purple now, the interior d-line is looking strong. However, on the edge, the Ravens need some pass-rushing assistance now, and for the future. Enter in Julian Okwara, a physical freak that has burst, bend and sky-high upside as a rush-outside linebacker.

There are some medical concerns as his Senior season at Notre Dame ended with a fractured leg. Okwara also needs to be coached up in setting the edge better against the run. Those two factors are what make him available this late in the second. Still, he is an ideal fit in the Ravens 3-4 defense and will provide rotational pass-rush as a rookie. With the uncertainty regarding Matt Judon‘s future and Tyus Bowser also in his contract year, Okwara can slide into a starting role in year two.

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