The Ravens are currently four years removed from a Super Bowl victory. In those four years, Baltimore has only had one winning season in 2014 when they won ten games and one playoff game. Other than 2014, the Ravens have gone 8-8 twice (2013 and 2016) and 5-11 in 2015. The Ravens will look to turn things around next year and get back to their winning ways. Here’s three positions they should focus on in the Draft to help turn things around.
Baltimore Ravens 2017 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Outside Linebacker
While the Ravens have a solid corps of linebackers in C.J. Mosley and Terrell Suggs, they still need a solid outside backer. Elvis Dumervil seemed to be the player they needed at the position, but his level of play declined to the point of him being released by the team. The Ravens need to get back to the dominant defense that they’ve been known for for so long and it starts with and outside linebacker who can rush the passer.
Baltimore has shown interest in quite a few linebackers coming into this draft. If they choose to take their future backer in the first round, Haason Reddick could be the perfect fit. Reddick had a private workout with the team and would be a great compliment to Mosley and Suggs
If the Ravens choose to take their linebacker in the second round or later, they’ve shown interest in Zach Cunningham and Tyus Bowser as well. However, Reddick might be too good to pass up at 16.
Wide Receiver
With the retirement of Steve Smith Sr, Baltimore took a hit at the receiver position. Mike Wallace will become Baltimore’s number one receiver and he’s had some good seasons, including a solid 2016. Breshad Perriman will likely be the number two receiver. Perriman is quick and explosive but has been slow to develop and not necessarily a great route runner.
The Ravens have shown interest in both Mike Williams and Corey Davis. With both receivers projected to go in the first round, one of them could very well be the 16th pick in the draft. Baltimore held private workouts with both receivers, as well as John Ross. With Ross being a speedster, like Perriman, I wouldn’t expect Baltimore to take a chance on him in the first round. Williams or Davis would be the best fit at 16 for the Ravens.
If the Ravens decide to take a receiver in the second round, or later, Taywan Taylor seems to be the best pick for them. Taylor is an explosive receiver and a good route runner and has been compared to Stefon Diggs. He could easily come into his rookie season as a slot receiver for Baltimore.
Cornerback
Baltimore’s number one corner, Jimmy Smith, has had some injury concerns, including one in 2016. When Smith is out with injury, the Ravens seem to struggle. Baltimore will need to bring in a young corner to step in and help the defensive secondary out.
Kevin King had a private workout with Baltimore and could likely be available in the second round. King had an impressive career at Washington and could be a great fit for the Baltimore defense. With King being so tall, he could likely even be switched to a safety.
Tre’Davious White is another corner who might work as a second round selection. White had a successful career at LSU which is impressive on its own. White brings a man-to-man type of coverage that disrupts routes and gives the front seven a better chance to get to the quarterback.
Sidney Jones is another corner Baltimore could take a chance with. After tearing his Achilles tendon at the combine, Jones will likely become a third rounder or later. Jones has been compared to Marcus Peters coming into the Draft and that’s exactly the kind of player Baltimore needs. While he will likely miss some time in his rookie season, Jones could end up being a shutdown corner. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario and the Ravens should take that chance.
