3 dream NFL Draft prospects Ravens should trade up for in first round, but won't

The Baltimore Ravens have traded up on occasion, like when they snagged Lamar Jackson with the last pick of the first round. That usually goes against the M.O. of this front office, which has often prized accumulating picks in the middle rounds and taking the best player available when they pick.

GM Eric DeCosta is likely eyeing some of the mid-round talent in what is a very deep draft in some of Baltimore's main areas of need. Barring a sharp change in how they operate, the Ravens likely won't be using any of their draft picks to move up in the order and select a potential future star.

The Ravens could miss out on these three stars, all of whom could be immediate starters and impact players at their particular positions. DeCosta may need to be a bit more cavalier about adding talent in what is a championship or bust season, even though such a move may not be what he usually pursues.

3 NFL Draft prospects the Baltimore Ravens could trade up for, but won't

3. Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

The Ravens have some degree of interest in Fautanu, as he is one of just a few players they have brought into the building for a visit. If Baltimore has their heart set on the former Washington standout, they need to realize just how quickly his stock is soaring into the middle half of the first-round.

With Notre Dame's Joe Alt cementing himself as the top offensive tackle in this class, there has been a war brewing between Fautanu, Penn State's Olu Fashanu, and Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga for the title of OT2 in this class. Given his tremendous final season in Seattle, Fautanu may have a leg up in this race.

Troy Fautanu could be a starter for the Baltimore Ravens

Fautanu has the perfect blend of aggression, raw power, and technical refinement in pass protection to help him instantly slide into a starting lineup in the NFL. Some teams may project him at guard, and Baltimore should be one team even more interested than most in versatile linemen.

While the Ravens wouldn't be looked at awkwardly if they drafted a tackle like Alabama's JC Latham or Georgia's Amarius Mims late in the first round, Fautanu is a safer bet than two gargantuan right tackle locks with limited experience. He might be out of Baltimore's range barring a quick move up.