Last year was pretty much an organizational redshirt for the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Joe Flacco couldn’t practice all preseason due to back issues and really never looked right in 2017. He also didn’t have a lot of help on offense.
Baltimore has tried to remedy that this offseason, adding both Michael Crabtree and Willie Snead IV to its wide receiver unit. There’s still work to be done. This is general manager Ozzie Newsome’s final draft. Here’s how he can make it count.
Round 1, Pick 16: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
2017: 63 catches, 937 yards, five touchdowns (6-1, 190 pounds)
I have Ridley rated the top wide receiver in the class. While you could argue that Baltimore has three starters already on the roster with Crabtree, Snead and Breshad Perriman, I disagree. Snead works better as a slot guy and Perriman has yet to show he was worth the first round pick the team spent on him in 2015. Ridley is a pro-style route runner, he’s got burner speed and fantastic hands.
Round 2, Pick 52: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
2017: 156 carries, 1,227 yards, 16 touchdowns, nine catches 96 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown (5-11, 215 pounds)
Is Alex Collins the guy for the Ravens? I don’t think so. Michel adds a complete dimension to Baltimore’s offensive attack. They’d be smart to see how Sean Payton used Alvin Kamara in New Orleans last season. Michel can be even better.
Round 3, Pick 83: Justin Lawler, DE, SMU
2017: 74 tackles, 15.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, two passes defended, two forced fumble (6-4, 265 pounds)
Terell Suggs isn’t getting any younger and unless he’s invested heavily in Ray Lewis’ deer antler spray from a few years ago, his career is winding down. It’s time for the Ravens to really stockpile pass rushers and try to find a star. Lawler is a solid pick in the third round.
Round 4, Pick 118: Coleman Shelton, Center, Washington
6-3, 292 pounds
Pro Football Focus rated the Ravens’ offensive line as the league’s fourth best unit. They can stay that way by adding depth and a guy that can start at any of the three interior positions if called upon.
Round 5, Pick 154: Damon Webb, Safety, Ohio State
2017: 61 tackles, two for a loss, five interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, three passes defended, two fumble recoveries (5-11, 195 pounds)
Baltimore has cobbled together a defensive backfield for years with other team’s cast-offs. It’s time to start building one of their own from scratch.
Round 6, Pick 190: Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
2017: 65.7 completion percentage, 4,177 yards, 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions (6-4, 225 pounds)
Joe Flacco had an off season in 2017 due to injuries, but Baltimore would be fools to toss him out and build around another QB as some have suggested. What they really need is a better back up than Ryan Mallett and White could be that guy and at a much more reasonable price.
Round 6, Pick 215: Jordan Akins, TE, UCF
2017: 32 catches, 515 yards, four touchdowns (6-3, 249 pounds)
Flacco needs pass-catching tight ends to thrive and Akins adds a big body and red zone target to the mix.
Round 7, Pick 238: Nick Gates, OT, Nebraska
6-5, 307 pounds
Baltimore can afford to draft a project at tackle in round seven with the play they got from Ronnie Stanley and Alex Lewis last year.
