As the NFL Draft draws near, analysts and fans love to try to predict the way teams will address their future. For the Baltimore Ravens, the most common positions mocked to them on Day One tend to be pass rusher or cornerback.
However, there’s a slew of other needs that Baltimore will have to address before next season gets underway. Some of these might not be the flashiest but could be the most pressing. In a recent article, Jordan Plocher of Pro Football Focus highlighted one of these needs, as they looked into potential options for teams to attack in April’s draft.
Tyler Booker could solve Ravens' biggest need
While the Ravens have options at offensive guard, there’s a lot of uncertainty there. Andrew Vorhees will be heading into his third season, and while he was praised by Ronnie Stanley during his press conference, he has yet to prove himself. Daniel Faalele, while being named a Pro Bowl alternate, has dealt with his fair share of inconsistencies during his career. And of course, utility lineman Patrick Mekari departed for Jacksonville in free agency, leaving a vacancy in the interior. Enter Tyler Booker.
The coveted Booker could slot in perfectly for the run-heavy Ravens. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, his outstanding size and power would be a match made in heaven for Baltimore—specifically Derrick Henry, who thrives on gap runs. The thought of having to fight through the tenacity of Booker to bring down Henry would terrify opposing defenses.
He also provides an innate ability to anchor the pocket. On many occasions last season, interior pressure forced Lamar Jackson to break out of the pocket and make plays on the move. Booker has the potential to provide consistent structure in the pocket, along with a good understanding of pass-rush schemes. If his talent can translate to the league, it could add another layer of dominance to the Ravens’ already feared offensive attack.
While Booker's athleticism causes some scouts to worry, his measurables and production at Alabama make him a tantalizing prospect. Depending on how the draft board falls, Booker could separate himself as the best player available at pick 27 for the Ravens. As Ravens fans know, Eric DeCosta and company never pass on the best player available.