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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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: Linebacker Malik Harrison #39 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 29-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: Linebacker Malik Harrison #39 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 29-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Ravens Round 3, pick 98: Malik Harrison | Linebacker | Ohio State

If there’s a weakness on the roster, why not double up on trying to solve the issue? Malik Harrison is an underrated athlete that manned the middle for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Like first-round selection Patrick Queen, he was able to help his team reach the College Football Playoff.

Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens /

Baltimore Ravens

Bringing that level of pedigree to the middle of the Ravens’ defense, twice, is tremendous for a team attempting to hit that level in the NFL. Harrison is a thumper that can bring the heat on run downs. Maybe he’ll cycle out duties, subbing in and out with Patrick Queen? Or he’ll dominate early beside Queen and step out on passing downs.

Since the Ravens have another selection in just eight picks, nabbing Harrison shouldn’t be criticized too heavily. While they could’ve grabbed Matt Peart, the tackle out of UCONN, or Alex Highsmith here too, Harrison can be a tremendous pairing with Queen.

Grade: C+

Ravens Round 3, pick 106: Tyre Phillips | Offensive guard | Mississippi State

Phillips is a massive human being that was a stud for Mississippi State. He maintained their blindside, blocking well but also road-grading for their SEC rushing attack. Heading into the NFL, he’ll definitely be moved inside. After the loss of Marshal Yanda to retirement, it’s logical that the Ravens select Phillips to attempt at plugging that hole. It’s also an important hole to plug, considering their reliance on the ground game.

The former East Mississippi Community College product, the school known for it’s “Last Chance U” documentary fame, has a chance to become a plug-and-play prospect with plenty of chances to develop. Considering the hole at guard, his versatility, and his potential, the Phillips pick is great, especially this late. With other options like Solomon Kindley and John Simpson on the board still, they definitely got their choice of the line prospects. But it is disappointing that they waited this long to address the need.

Grade: B

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