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Baltimore Ravens performance in 2021 NFL Draft: 3 big things

By Chris Schisler

Oct 26, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) holds his arms up after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) holds his arms up after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Ravens
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 31: Jayson Oweh #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 31, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. A double dip for pass rushers makes a lot of sense:

One thing about the selection of Jayson Oweh (who will start going by Odafe Oweh) is that it may not make the biggest instant impact. Oweh is a bit raw. It’s hard to ask a player who had no sacks in the final season of his collegiate career to be a sack artist as a rookie in the NFL. Oweh is a talented pass rusher, but he may not be the only new ingredient that Don Martindale wants for his defensive front.

At the time of this writing, we’re just two hours away from the fourth round of the NFL Draft commencing. There are still some very good pass-rushing options on the board. I viewed Quincy Roche as a second-round talent. The Miami pass rusher is a lot like Matt Judon in the sense that he’s versatile and he’ll probably just be a good, not great pass rusher. Another player I like is Jordan Smith from UAB. This is a player whose traits are unreal. He’s got the most reach of any pass rusher on the board.

The Ravens have a tendency to double-dip in the NFL Draft at key positions. Oftentimes, the second player chosen works out better than the first one. Dennis Pitta worked out better than Ed Dickson. Marshal Yanda worked out even better than Ben Grubbs did. Mark Andrews outshined Hayden Hurst. Is it a pattern destined to continue? Maybe not. Do I want to test the hypothesis with an edge-rushing prospect worth getting excited about? Yes.

It makes sense to keep going after pass rushers. One just isn’t enough when you have to replace a lot at the outside linebacker position. The Ravens need to try to find a gem on the third round of the draft who helps as a pass rusher. They may not find the total package. They may have to settle for a player who struggles to set the edge but can fly into the backfield and mess with the quarterback.

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You cannot argue that the Ravens aren’t attacking their needs. You can argue that it isn’t enough when it comes to the pass-rushing department. This is something to think about.

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