3 trade packages the Ravens could offer for star LB Roquan Smith
By Justin Fried
2. Ravens trade a third, fourth, and fifth-round pick for Roquan Smith
This proposal is advantageous if the Ravens prioritize holding on to their second-round pick and/or if the Bears prioritize the number of picks they receive.
Using Jimmy Johnson’s standard draft pick value chart, a package of a third, fourth, and fifth-round pick would equate to slightly less value than a second-rounder, depending on where each pick falls in each round.
This would leave the Ravens without a pick in the third and fourth rounds, although they would still possess a fifth-rounder thanks to the Shaun Wade trade from a year ago.
On top of that, the Ravens love to stockpile compensatory picks and they could be in line for some again next offseason which would curb those losses. Not to mention, after an 11-player draft class, the Ravens likely aren’t looking to make as many picks this time around.
The Bears don’t land a top-60 pick which would surely leave many fans irate, but they do add three mid-round picks that could be used to bolster a thin and rebuilding roster.
Is Smith worth more than this in a vacuum? Absolutely. But the reality of the situation is that the Bears might either have to trade Smith or let him walk for free in the offseason. Any leverage they may have had is gone.
The Ravens could pair Smith with a young Patrick Queen in the hopes that the team could finally find their linebacker duo of the future. It would be hard to turn down this deal if you’re Eric DeCosta.