NFL Draft 2015: Baltimore Ravens Team Needs
By Zac Snyder
For a look at the Baltimore Ravens’ team needs entering the 2015 NFL Draft, I got together with Ebony Bird‘s Brett Foote. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
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1. How have the team’s draft needs changed since free agency opened?
"The Ravens’ draft needs haven’t changed drastically since free agency began, but one could argue that wide receiver has become a bigger need following Torrey Smith‘s departure. Restructuring Lardarius Webb‘s contract means that corner (arguably) isn’t as big a need, as is the retention of Justin Forsett at running back. The Ravens still intend to draft a back at some point, as they have openly admitted.Trading Haloti Ngata won’t have a big impact on the team’s plans either, as they remain very confident in both Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams. I expect Ozzie Newsome to stick to his plan of adding quality depth this offseason regardless of position. Fans aren’t necessarily thrilled with this approach, but it works."
2. What would you say are the top three needs remaining?
"In my opinion, cornerback, wide receiver, and tight end are the top three. The Ravens addressed the safety position by signing Kendrick Lewis, but they desperately need depth at corner behind presumed starters Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. That lack of depth is likely what kept them out of the Super Bowl last season. The team lacks a deep threat to pair with Joe Flacco‘s big arm following the loss of Torrey Smith, and they have been looking at speedy receiver prospects in the draft. The Ravens won’t know for a while if Dennis Pitta will be healthy enough to play in 2015, and they remain unconvinced that Crockett Gillmore can take on an every down role. After losing Owen Daniels to the Broncos, I wouldn’t be surprised if they add a veteran at tight end and spend a draft pick on one as well."
3. Are there any prospects that have caught your eye so far?
"At wide receiver, I love Dorial Green-Beckham’s potential but I am pretty convinced the Ravens won’t draft him because of his allegations of domestic abuse in college. The team seems to be targeting a deep threat after flirting with Mike Wallace in free agency, so Ohio State’s Devin Smith make a lot of sense.If they truly want a difference making tight end, Maxx Williams is there for the taking, but I just don’t see them spending a first round pick at the position. A well rounded, pass catching prospect like Penn State’s Jesse James might be a better bet in the middle rounds.At corner, I really like Marcus Peters and I’m rooting for him to be the pick at number 26. I like his ceiling as a potential lock down corner and I think the Ravens’ coaching staff can help him mature as a person."
4. What do you think would make for a successful draft for your team?
"The Ravens have to address the aforementioned positions, but they also need to add depth along the offensive line. Injuries to Rick Wagner and Eugene Monroe exposed them at times last season. They also need to seriously think about getting an outside linebacker they can develop. With Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil on the wrong side of 30, they need pass rushers for the future."
5. So much draft focus often goes to the first few rounds, but is there something you’d like to see your team do in the later rounds?
"The Ravens typically do a great job of finding role players in later rounds, and the depth in this year’s draft provides another great opportunity to do so. Last year they got a promising slot receiver in Michael Campanaro in the 7th, so I would look for them to do the same this year. The best bets for late round picks lie in the offensive line, wide receiver, and possibly even the quarterback position. It’s hard to say if the Ravens are comfortable with last year’s 6th round pick Keith Wenning backing up Joe Flacco in 2015."
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Next: Post-Free Agency Frenzy 2015 NFL Mock Draft