How Ravens Can Earn an ‘A’ Draft Grade
The Ravens typically receive high draft grades from pundits. What would it take to earn an “A” this year?
ESPN’s Ben Solak devised a draft strategy for each team to follow to address its short- and long-term needs and thus take home an “A” on its report card.
For the Ravens, Solak acknowledged that Penn State guard Vega Ioane is the “chalk pick” and said they should take him if he’s there at No. 14. However, if Vega is off the board, Solak said the Ravens can still ace their first pick.
“I’d imagine they’re interested in Keldric Faulk (Auburn) along the edge, as new coach Jesse Minter likes strong run defenders at his edge spots,” Solak wrote. “Don’t sleep on a first-round receiver such as Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) or Makai Lemon (USC), either. … With Isaiah Likely gone and Mark Andrews getting older, Kenyon Sadiq’s (Oregon) range starts here as well.
“In short, the Ravens are a lot more flexible at No. 14 than people realize. With so many picks on Day 3, they could easily reposition on Day 2 to draft multiple starters along the interior offensive line. Sam Hecht (Kansas State) and Logan Jones (Iowa) are scheme fits at center, and Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon) and Jalen Farmer (Kentucky) fit their type at guard.”
While cornerback isn’t as big a need as other positions, Solak thinks the Ravens should target one on Day 3.
“A middle-rounds CB might be CB4 this season … and CB2 by next season,” Solak wrote.
