The Baltimore Ravens addressed their top need in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, taking linebacker Patrick Queen at No. 28. But with four picks on Day 2 of the draft, the Ravens could fill their remaining holes with immediate contributors if the board falls their way.
But first, we need to figure out what Baltimore still needs help with. Let’s take a look at the Ravens’ immediate and long-term needs entering Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ravens’ immediate needs
Inside linebacker- Interior offensive line
- Outside linebacker
- Wide receiver
- Offensive tackle
Ravens’ long-term needs
- Defensive line
- Safety
- Running back
- Cornerback
Inside linebacker
Getting Queen really answers this for the most part. Baltimore could still use a little more depth but they’ll probably want someone with experience to balance out their youth at the position rather than double-dipping in the draft.
Interior offensive line
With Marshal Yanda’s retirement, right guard is far from settled. And with an offense that loves to run as much as the Ravens do, beefing up their offensive line would be smart. Granted, Ben Powers is likely penciled in as the starter at right guard currently but Baltimore typically creates competition for major starting jobs like that in training camp. It might not be something the Ravens have to go out and get tonight in the second or third round but it’s a position they’ll want to add someone at in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Outside linebacker
Signing Matthew Judon to the franchise tag was the very least Baltimore could have done this offseason. Adding Calais Campbell was a nice boost but it really wasn’t an answer to the lack of functional depth at outside linebacker.
Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson showed improvement down the stretch last season, which is good to see but counting on either of them to step up in 2020 would be foolish considering the importance of the position. The Ravens were pretty awful at getting any pass rush one-on-one and had to scheme it through blitzes. Finding a potential replacement for Judon would be great but just finding another player that can compete for a starting job opposite him is needed here.
Wide receiver
This is the position fans are hoping every pick is. While more exciting than a defensive lineman, it isn’t an absolute necessity this early on. This is a really deep draft class at wide receiver and we’re already beyond the guys that can do everything well, so the Ravens are going to be looking at a niche role player anyway. Might as well wait until one falls into their laps rather than reach for one.
But Baltimore could go in two directions with who they pick. Marquise Brown already stretches the field but having another deep speed option would make defenses cry. Then again, having a sure-handed possession guy who can win contested balls is something the Ravens are currently missing and would make them far more balanced.
Offensive tackle
This is a position I haven’t really seen anyone talking about but they should be. Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown Jr. are both Pro Bowlers, so Baltimore is set at the top of their depth chart. But behind them is effectively no one. One injury and all of a sudden, the Ravens’ Super Bowl chances could implode.
The Ravens signed Andre Smith to a one-year extension but he washed out with the offensive line-needy Cincinnati Bengals last year. Finding some capable depth behind their two starters is a necessity considering how mobile quarterback Lamar Jackson is and Baltimore’s offensive scheme that sees them test the edge often.
Long-term needs
Those four positions are ones that Baltimore will still be eyeing up in this draft and are liable to grab if someone falls to them. While the Ravens have starters in place there right now, all four positions could become a dramatic need as early as next offseason. Finding prospects that might not be starter quality right now but would be with a year or two of development would pay off massively.
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