Ravens: 3 pass-rushing prospects who can be Day 1 starters

1. Jermaine Johnson

Jermaine Johnson is the guy the Ravens want to sprint to the board to take with the 14th overall pick.

The Florida State product’s stock has risen lately even in a crowded draft class and he’s more than well equipped to be an impact starter in his first NFL game.

After transferring from Georgia, Johnson blew up last season with 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, evolving from a rotational depth piece to a dynamic defensive playmaker in the span of a year.

As an equally talented run defender and pass rusher, Johnson possesses the versatility to slide into the Ravens’ 3-4 defense, potentially gelling with both the youngster Odafe Oweh and the more seasoned pro in Tyus Bowser. His tape reveals Johnson does practically everything right: he boasts “a variety of rush moves, takes good angles, and relentlessly pursues the quarterback.”

Johnson should bring plenty of juice to the edge and serves as a great value pass-rusher for the Ravens if he falls down to No. 14.

Expect Baltimore to stay flexible in the first round, eyeing other major needs like cornerback and the offensive line. But if no good prospect from those positions remain and Johnson is still on the board, the Ravens absolutely should take him.

Johnson seems like the most natural fit for the Ravens compared to other reachable prospects given his scheme versatility and all-around physical and tactical attributes. Sure, someone like Kayvon Thibodeaux is the dream target for most teams, but once Baltimore gets its head out of the clouds, the team will see how good Johnson can be.

A new pass-rushing era in Baltimore is about to begin with Johnson’s name written all over it.