The Baltimore Ravens are building something special under quarterback Lamar Jackson — and for good reason. Jackson was already the franchise leader heading into last season but rewarded Baltimore’s gamble and persistence with an MVP performance and one of the best overall seasons from a quarterback in NFL history. Entering the 2020 season, the Ravens continued to surround Jackson with exciting talent as they look to make their offense undefendable. But according to Luke Easterling of Draft Wire, Baltimore adds yet another exciting pass catcher for Jackson in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
In his latest mock draft, Easterling has the Ravens selecting Wake Forest wide receiver Sage Surratt with the No. 31 overall pick in the first round. While Surratt was the sixth wide receiver off the board, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about what he’d bring to the team.
Surratt stands at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, making him a terrific size for a transition to the NFL. He uses that size well, both when run blocking and when he has the ball in his hands. Though he isn’t a speed demon and he isn’t something special in space, he’s got enough speed and athleticism to get open and make plays, even if he projects more as a possession receiver for the Ravens.
As has been the case with all the wide receivers Baltimore has drafted over the last two years, Surratt has great hands. The Ravens have previously struggled with drops and have gone out of their way to select receivers who are specifically noted for their ability to catch and hold on to the ball. He tracks the ball well and has strong hands when battling a defender in one-on-one situations.
Though this is a ridiculously early mock draft, it would match with Baltimore’s philosophy over the last few years. Since selecting Jackson in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Ravens have grabbed six wide receivers, including three in the first-three rounds. Baltimore might have far more pressing needs (like a pass rusher) come the 2021 NFL Draft but Surratt would be a solid fit if they were to take him.
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