With the 2021 NFL Draft just over a week away, we have to remember some important realities when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens strategy.
It’s been said that there are two inescapable realities in the human experience — death and taxes. Of course, there are a few self-styled financial gurus who argue that you don’t really have to pay taxes if you know what you are doing, and there are others who opine that one doesn’t really die if he or she simply elevates one’s self and… umm… wiggles your nose and re-enacts the dance scene in Breakfast Club or something?
I usually stop listening pretty quickly. People tend to bother me.
You can add one more mortal certainty if we’re being both honest and receptive to new ideas. Every year, right around this time, a significant portion of mankind becomes unreasonably ridiculous as the NFL Draft approaches. Oh, you haven’t experienced this for yourself? I encourage you to go visit the social media outlet of your choosing. Go ahead. Anyone will do. I’ll wait.
Back already?
It’s basically a Battle Royale of Ravens fans, bloggers, media members, and general malcontents chasing scalps — berating the opinions and beliefs of one another like they are auditioning to run for Congress. Can you imagine a draft where Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta is able to satisfy all of Ravens faithful? Some of Ravens faithful? One person?
It’s impossible. The Internet has given us all more information than ever before, but, like in most instances, it’s really just enough information to make us think we know more than we actually do. We can “watch the tape.” We can listen to podcasts. We can watch retired players on national platforms pretend to be experts on all 32 teams. We can really educate ourselves. We really can.
But we still don’t know what the people in the Ravens’ front office know. We don’t know the conversations they are having with coaches in the building. Or coaches in other buildings. We don’t exactly know what went wrong in certain areas last year, and what can bring real fixes — personnel, scheme, more coaching, etc.
And, no, I’m not suggesting I know, either. I most likely know a lot less than you.
But I do know a few things. Or at least think I do. So, without further hesitation, let’s get to three truth bombs that all of Ravens faithful need to keep in mind.
Ravens not loaded with draft capital:
As of now, the Ravens have the 27th, 58th, 104th, 131st, 171st, 184th, and 210th picks in the draft. Seven picks. That’s it.
A good number of Ravens fans believe the team needs to improve through the draft at receiver, interior offensive line, a swing tackle (at least, pending the Orlando Brown Jr. situation), a tight end, one or two EDGE players, a ball-hawking safety, a slot corner, some youth at defensive line and a partridge in a pear tree.
Do that math. Not everything on that list is happening, without simply tossing aside any pretense of drafting the “Best Player Available” and instead just picking with a “paint-by-numbers” model that, well, is not ideal. That’s what bad teams do. Like, really, really, bad teams.
The Ravens are not getting Kyle Pitts, either. They don’t have the capital to trade up that far (no, he will not slide to 27). They are not getting Ja’Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith, either. Miracles happen, sure. But be logical.
Do not be surprised if the Ravens trade back, and probably a couple of times. You are not going to hit on every pick you make, so it behooves you to make more picks, right? I’m not suggesting you have to move back in the first round if a guy you love is sitting there, either. Just don’t reach for someone if you have the availability to move back, pick up more capital and get a player at a value you are more comfortable with whenever possible.
Offensive linemen are sexy:
Everyone loves the receivers. Or the EDGE guys who can cause havoc. Or, of course, the guys with the golden arm who can take a franchise from the outhouse to the penthouse. But receivers don’t get the time to run their flashy routes without good work upfront, EDGE guys don’t get to pull out their dances if they get neutralized by good line play and golden boys have a very tough time putting up numbers if they are constantly pulling clumps of dirt out of their facemasks.
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?
Linemen don’t often do the commercials or lead off Top 10 segments, but they are the people who allow your offense to function… or not. This is true with whatever system of offense you want to play, particularly so with the Ravens. The team needs road-graders who can blast open running lanes while holding their own against heavy fronts when the Ravens use that prolific run game against defenses to set up play-action passes that often take longer to develop while having your franchise quarterback turn his back to the defense in an effort to sell it.
Getting Ronnie Stanley back in the fold next year is a really big deal, as is Nick Boyle returning to his role of cracking heads. The Kevin Zeitler signing, in my opinion, is not getting enough respect. There is the very real possibility of great improvement upfront, particularly if Brown comes back for at least one more season.
But the Ravens really do need another tackle, even if it is to serve in that “swing” role next year if Brown returns. Or to develop for a year to replace Brown when he leaves.
It’s not a game-changing receiver, but don’t be surprised if the Ravens take a tackle very early. And don’t be too disappointed, either. It makes sense.
There will be holes:
The team simply won’t address everything in the draft. In fact, that team you are looking at when the draft is complete is probably not the same one that will suit up in September. There will be an undrafted free agent who surprises. A late-add free agent or two. Players who get cut from their teams after the draft, and during training camp. The roster will be a living, breathing organism up to kickoff of the opener, and then it will be tweaked and massaged every week of the season.
The draft is one part of building a team — a critically important part, yes. But, still, it is not the end-all, be-all of roster building.
There is no need to demand that heads roll after the seventh round — or first — is over. Besides, it’s important to remember that we don’t know what these players are going to look like in the league until they get to camp.
Of, like, their third seasons!
Enjoy the draft process, and try to educate yourself on as many players as you can. It’s fun. Or, it’s supposed to be fun.