With the initial release of each team's top 30 visits, we are getting a clearer picture of who NFL teams might be targeting in April's draft. One of the Baltimore Ravens' undeniable needs is a wide receiver, and fans are eager to see Eric DeCosta draft a high-end WR with pick 14.
Unfortunately, for the Ravens, their division rival, the Cleveland Browns, could thwart Baltimore's plans. Cleveland brought in the top three projected receivers as part of their top 30 visits: Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson.
Todd Monken and the Cleveland Browns could crush the Baltimore Ravens' dream draft plan
The Browns have the No. 6 overall pick, and this could start the WR train. Additionally, the Browns could use their No. 24 pick to move up earlier the first round, perhaps somewhere within the top 13. Despite the Browns being extremely receiver hungry, it's doubtful that they'll take two WRs.
Still, it's possible that all three of these receivers are off the board when the Ravens are on the clock. Another possibility is that the Ravens will have to settle for Lemon, who doesn't fit the skill set they need.
The plot thickens when considering that former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is now the Browns head coach. As such, Monken and the Browns might very well stop the Ravens from drafting their dream WR target. This would undoubtedly be painful for the Ravens organization and fan base.
To me and many other fans, drafting a wide receiver (ideally Tyson) at pick 14 would be the best possible outcome for Baltimore. Thus, seeing the Browns get in the way of the Ravens addressing this need would sting.
The Ravens' other options
With that being said, WR isn't the only position of need for the Ravens. Drafting an interior offensive lineman might not be a flashy or traditional move. Nevertheless, it's clearly one of the Ravens' biggest needs. With players such as Spencer Fano or Olaivavega Ioane projected to be mid-first-rounders, they could be in a great spot to add talent on the line.
Another possibility would be drafting tight end Kenyon Sadiq, but Mark Andrews' contract complicates this. If the Ravens strike out on a top-end WR (in part due to the Browns), they could add a pass-catcher in the second round or trade back into the first round.
Ultimately, not landing one of the high-end receivers with the No. 14 pick would hurt and make things difficult for the Ravens, but it wouldn't be a complete doomsday scenario.