The Baltimore Ravens 2016 NFL Draft was a busy one as they had 11 picks, including the sixth overall and five fourth round picks. After a 5-11 finish in 2015, the Ravens look to fill some glaring holes in their roster. Some of these needs were highlighted by our writers here and here. General Manager Ozzie Newsome is notorious for successful drafts and Ravens fans hope the 2016 NFL Draft is no different. The Ravens most notable selection was with the sixth overall pick when they selected offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. Was Stanley the best option for Baltimore at six? Only time will tell. Here are the Ravens 2016 selections:
1st Round, 6th Overall: OT Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame)
2nd Round, 42nd Overall: LB Kamalei Correa (Boise State)
3rd Round, 70th Overall: DE Bronson Kaufusi (BYU)
4th Round, 104th Overall: CB Tavon Young (Temple)
4th Round, 107th Overall: WR Chris Moore (Cincinnati)
4th Round, 130th Overall: OT Alex Lewis (Nebraska)
4th Round, 132nd Overall: DT Willie Henry (Michigan)
4th Round, 134th Overall: RB Kenneth Dixon (Louisiana Tech)
5th Round, 146th Overall: OLB Matt Judon (Grand Valley St.)
6th Round, 182nd Overall: WR Keenan Reynolds (Navy)
6th Round, 202nd Overall: CB Maurice Canady (Virginia)
Ravens 2016 Draft Grade: 8.4/10
Baltimore Ravens 2016 NFL Draft Review 2016
The Best Player: The Ravens obvious most-talented selection is offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. The Notre Dame product was invaluable to the success of the Fighting Irish and their many offensive weapons this past season. Stanley was already a promising draft prospect after the 2014 campaign, but elected to return to school for another year. The extra season proved to be beneficial as it appears Stanley has improved his run blocking ability, and honed his exceptional pass blocking. Stanley has quick feet and impressive agility for his size, and will undoubtedly be a great asset in protecting quarterback Joe Flacco.
The Head-Scratcher: It’s worth the argument that the Ravens took the wrong offensive tackle at number six, when they passed up on highly-touted Mississippi Rebel Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil had an eventful draft night, to say the least. Rising character concerns reportedly caused the Ravens to take him off of their draft board entirely. The Ravens have been known to highlight players they deem “high-character” guys, so the notion that Baltimore opted to pass on Tunsil and select Stanley was not much of a surprise.
The Steal: The Ravens addressed another need at the running back position in the fourth round when they selected Kenneth Dixon of Louisiana Tech. Dixon finished second overall in NCAA history with 87 rushing touchdowns in his career. He will look to compete in a backfield that featured Justin Forsett and Buck Allen in 2016, and has a real chance to win the starting job in 2016. His ability in the passing game is among the top at the position in this draft class. When mixed with his exceptional vision for running lanes and ability to make quick cuts at the line and in the open field, Dixon has to tools to succeed in the NFL. Concerns with Dixon include durability, given his small stature, and ball security.
Most likely to turn heads in Training Camp: As a quarterback at the Naval Academy, Keenan Reynolds set the NCAA record for rushing touchdowns with 88, one more than Kenneth Dixon. Reynolds is transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver and return man. This is sure to be a difficult transition, but Reynolds has a nose for the end zone and a combination of speed and agility that will be valuable in the return game, at the very least. After Reynolds has a chance to learn the ropes and take some reps, his natural ability will allow him to shine in training camp.
The Rest: The Ravens addressed a need at linebacker in the second round with Kamalei Correa of Boise State. Correa has the ability to rush the passer and cover receivers, both skills that will be useful in Baltimore. Linebacker Matt Judon of Grand Valley State was selected in the sixth round, and is viewed more as a project given his raw skills and lack of experience against high-levels of competition. The Ravens also addressed needs on the defensive line with their third round selection, defensive end, Bronson Kaufusi, and fourth round selection, interior lineman, Willie Henry. Cornerback was another position of need for Baltimore, and they added Tavon Young and Maurice Canady in the fourth and sixth rounds. The Ravens also added offensive tackle, Alex Moore, and deep-threat wide receiver Chris Moore.
The Bottom Line: The Baltimore Ravens wisely stocked up on picks to allow for more room for error and filled many areas of need with their 11 selections on both offensive and defensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and running back, and took a few fliers on skilled receivers that could prove to be useful. This Ravens draft class lacks a little flash, but what it lacks in flash is made up for in quantity and security. This draft looks to be another solid class put together by Ravens brass.
