Jeff Zrebiec Looks at the Ravens’ Most Logical First-Round Options
A wide variety of prospects have been linked to the Ravens in mock drafts, but some are more realistic possibilities than others.
While there are always surprises – the last time the Ravens had the 14th-overall pick, safety Kyle Hamilton shockingly fell into their laps – there’s a good chance players who have been mocked to Baltimore such as Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, and Tate will be off the board by the time the Ravens are on the clock.
With that in mind, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec identified the seven most logical options for the Ravens at No. 14. Here’s a look at three:
“You can never have enough good cornerbacks. The Ravens might be content with a top four of Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie and T.J. Tampa right now. But Humphrey and Awuzie could be free agents next year, and Tampa is unproven. The Ravens know elite shutdown corners are hard to find, particularly for teams usually drafting later in the first round. Delane possesses the type of athleticism, physicality and awareness that No. 1 cornerbacks have.”
Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor
“Team officials maintain that they still want to add another edge rusher after signing Trey Hendrickson, and Mesidor might be the poster boy in this draft for guys who ‘play like a Raven.’ He’s a relentless pass rusher with a diverse plan to get after the quarterback, and he’s also a very willing and physical edge setter. The Ravens put a high value on college production in evaluating pass rushers, and few in this class were as productive as Mesidor.”
“Tight end is not the team’s most pressing need, but the Ravens have only two on their roster. One of them, Durham Smythe, is primarily a blocker. The other, Mark Andrews, turns 31 this year. Sadiq’s 4.39 40 time is emblematic of just how athletic he is. Lamar Jackson loves throwing to tight ends, and Sadiq has a tantalizing skill set. He’s also a competent blocker.”
