NFL Team Report 2021 Updated – Baltimore Ravens

Ravens – Chiefs Trade Changes Late First Round Selections

The Ravens pulled off a recent major trade with the Chiefs dealing OT Orlando Brown for the KC #1, #3 and #4 picks and another future late choice. Baltimore now will have two #1 picks while surrendering their #2 and #6 picks along with the massive Brown. Ravens will most likely address the offensive line early and probably with one of their two top selections. The Chiefs addressed their huge problem at tackle with both veteran starters Fisher and Schwartz unsigned and recovering from health issues. Ravens have a few openings along the line and it becomes their highest need area and possibly with a few early draft choices.

AFC North

       Baltimore Ravens – 11-5 – Head Coach John Harbaugh – 14th Year

         Key Team Needs:  1. OL      2. WR     3. LB     4. DL      5. TE
          1st Round Pick – (2)  #27 & #31 selections – 9 total picks 

1. Offensive Line – The Ravens’ signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a three-year contract. They have had problems on the interior in recent years. Center is a huge void inside and starter Matt Skura left in FA. They look to add quality interior linemen with both center and guard important. They have weak depth and need to address this unit by the middle rounds. They like a few tackles, Teven Jenkins and Liam Eichenberg in the late first and both are NFL ready to fill the right tackle position. OL Alex Leatherwood is a prospect they like and feel he can line up at both tackle and guard and a possibility. They also like centers Landon Dickerson or Creed Humphrey in the 1st round. They will consider guards Wyatt Davis and Trey Smith on the 2nd day.

 2. Wide Receiver – The Ravens have had major issues at this position with aging veterans and yearly turnover. They signed Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal. He is a player who got buried in the Chiefs potent passing game and struggled with career injuries. He could be a major surprise here. Young vets, Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin show interesting promise. They will consider Kadarius Toney and Terrace Marshall with a late first round pick. They also like Amari Rodgers and Dyami Brown in the 3rd round. Both are high-quality athletes who shows impact ability and good after the catch ability. They will most likely address this position at least once and probably early in the process.

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 3. Linebacker – The Ravens resigned many veteran defensive players including Tyus Bowser. They lost edge rusher Matt Judon in FA and he leaves a huge void. They are looking for a difference maker off the edge with three down versatility. They will probably consider LBers, Azeez Ojulari and Zaven Collins. Both would be good fits here. Collins is a natural here and a kid with a big upside going forward. They like Joseph Ossai, a three-down defender with playmaking ability. They look to young LBers to continue to develop.

   Ravens – Short List Players

1st Round Prospects (2) – #27 & #31
Teven Jenkins                     OT           Oklahoma State
Kadarius Toney                   WR          Florida
Liam Eichenberg                OT           Notre Dame
Zaven Collins                      LB           Tulsa
Azeez Ojulari                       LB           Georgia
Terrace Marshall                 WR          LSU
 
2nd Day Prospects  
2nd Round  – No pick
 
3rd Round (2) – #94 & #104
Amari Rodgers                    WR          Clemson
Rashad Weaver                   DE          Pittsburgh
Jackson Carman                 OT           Clemson
Quincy Roche                      OLB        Miami
Ihmir Smith-Marsette       WR          Iowa
Josh Myers                           C             Ohio State

Insiders’ Insights

The Ravens’ finished 2nd in the AFC North with a 11-5 record behind star QB Lamar Jackson. The Ravens led the league in rushing, but finished dead last in the passing game. Jackson is a magical athlete, though his passing from the pocket is still inconsistent. He is the best dual threat in the game. His season ended abruptly in the postseason with another loss. His scrambling ability plus rookie JK Dobbins helped the Ravens lead the league in rushing. They will continue to build around Jackson with both line and skill positions being key areas. Their front office continues to be one of the best in the league under the direction of GM Eric DeCosta who gets consistently good value for his selections. He is one of the most astute talent evaluators in the NFL and has built the Ravens’ culture. They need a strong class this spring to compete in the tough North division. They will consider the offensive line early with both tackle and interior positions major need areas. They look to improve their pass pressure with new rushers and like Collins very much. They will probably address the front seven mainly on the edges a few times among their selections. They have had the willingness to move up and back in the early rounds for the right prospect. They usually address need and value very well and effectively.

1st Round Pick – Teven Jenkins – Physical right tackle would be great fit, though currently out of reach at #27.
Alternate Pick – Liam Eichenberg – Tough technician would give them Irish bookend tackles.
 1st Round Pick – Zaven Collins – Athletic versatile LB would be a great addition behind their tough front line.
Alternate Pick – Terrace Marshall – Tough possession receiver fits in here very well.