The Baltimore Ravens' offseason has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. On the positive side, bringing in Trey Hendrickson solves last year's biggest problem of pass rush. Nevertheless, Baltimore still doesn't have a dependable second wide receiver next to Zay Flowers, and their interior offensive line leaves much to be desired after losing Tyler Linderbaum.
After breaking the bank to sign Hendrickson, the Ravens are unlikely to make another big move in free agency. As such, the Ravens will focus on the draft to fill these two glaring needs. With the No. 14 pick, Baltimore should be able to add a difference maker at one of these key positions.
However, counting on the No. 45 pick to make an immediate impact on a team with Super Bowl aspirations is a dicey proposition.
Eric DeCosta and the Ravens might be done making big moves in free agency, but they shouldn't be done making bold moves in general. Frankly, that's what Super Bowl-winning teams have to do. With 11 picks in the draft, trading into the first round to add two high-end talents is a realistic and impactful possibility.
The Baltimore Ravens trading into the first round makes too much sense not to happen
There are so many possibilities if the Ravens trade into the first round. Regardless, it's clear that one of these picks should address their wide receiver void and another should be used to fill their interior offensive line hole. And thankfully, this year's class is loaded at both of these positions.
Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon are clear options if the Ravens target a WR at pick 14. Keylan Rutledge is one interior lineman who jumps out to me as a clear trade-up target for the Ravens.
Olaivavega Ioane is the best pure interior offensive lineman who could be targeted at pick 14. Spencer Fano is another clear target. Despite playing tackle at Utah, many experts believe that Fano is more of a guard or center at the NFL level due to his short arms.
Not drafting a natural center might seem risky, but there aren't many high-end center prospects. Thus, banking on a position change could be a good bet for Baltimore.
If the Ravens draft a lineman with pick 14, trading back into the first round to draft a wide receiver such as Omar Cooper Jr. or KC Concepcion would be logical.
Maybe the Ravens can fill both of these voids without making a trade. However, there's a clear drop-off in talent, and the easiest way to ensure that you are properly addressing these undeniable needs is to make a draft-day trade.
Baltimore can't risk a second-round pick not being ready to contribute. With this in mind and the Ravens' slew of draft picks this season, there's no reason Eric DeCosta shouldn't try to get a second first-round pick on draft day.