With The First Pick
Fansided

Grading Ravens, Eric DeCosta’s strong 2020 NFL Draft haul

By Felix Davila

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Patrick Queen #8 of the LSU Tigers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Patrick Queen #8 of the LSU Tigers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: Justin Madubuike #52 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: Justin Madubuike #52 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Ravens Round 3, pick 71: Justin Madubuike | Defensive line | Texas A&M

Similar to the Dallas Cowboys selection of Neville Gallimore in the third round, this pick of Madubuike is a stellar value for his position. The Ravens have always been known as a tough-as-nails defense that usually features a powerful front seven. Heading into 2020, they now boast a defensive line of Brandon Williams, former Aggie Daylon Mack, Jihad Ward, recently signed Derek Wolfe and recently acquired Calais Campbell via trade. Now they add a strong prospect to that rotation.

Madubuike is a freakishly talented defensive tackle with great athleticism. He shows a talent for shooting gaps and a relentless motor with active hands. Adding him to a squad that has veterans like Wolfe, Campbell, Williams, and Mack will undoubtedly help Madubuike develop into a quality rotational player at the very least. For this selection, the Ravens could’ve added quality pass rushers before their next third-round pick, including Zack Baun, Terrell Lewis, Jabari Zuniga, or Jonathan Greenard. But considering some saw him as a second-round talent, the Madubuike pick earns them a good grade.

Grade: C+

Ravens Round 3, pick 92: Devin Duvernay | Wide receiver | Texas

This could be one of their best selections. Devin Duvernay is a talented, electric playmaker with the ball in his hands after the catch. He’s a thick, squatty built receiver that shows potential as a versatile weapon, especially for the Ravens.

Considering how much their offense is built off of the run-pass option and Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability, Duvernay is a stellar fit. Imagine Jackson, Ingram, and Hill in the backfield, with Duvernay coming across the field on a jet sweep? Defenses can get gashed by that versatility.

Since they had another pick within five selections after this one, the criticism shouldn’t be too strong. The Ravens needed to add weapons to their offense to help their quarterback ascend. That’s what they did with Duvernay here.

Grade: A

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