2020 NFL mock draft: Final 1st-round projections with trades

Luke Easterling makes his final projections for the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, with a handful of big trades and surprise picks

28. Baltimore Ravens

Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin

Why is the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense spending a first-round pick on a running back? I know, it sounds crazy. But if the board falls this way, and the Ravens have their pick of the little among this year’s top backs, this wouldn’t surprise me one bit.

Mark Ingram isn’t getting any younger, and when he was banged up at times last year, his absence was painfully evident. Taylor brings a similar running style to the table, with an impressive combination of speed, power and finishing ability.

There are obviously bigger needs for the Ravens on both sides of the ball, but the best teams stay at the top by prioritizing talent and value over reaching for need. Putting this year’s top running back prospect in this offense would be simply unfair.