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The Baltimore Ravens answered one of their questions, selecting LSU linebacker Patrick Queen with their first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. But it’s the middle rounds that really separates the wheat from the chaff among NFL teams. The teams that most often succeed do so because their front offices are better at scouting those mid-round prospects that turn into major contributors and stars.
The Ravens have always been among the best in the business at identifying that talent and developing it. So with Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft including the second and third rounds, Baltimore can continue to further improve their roster and separate themselves. According to Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, he’s excited about what players are available and thinks Baltimore can walk away with some immediate contributors.
“There’s like 25 or 30 players right now that I think can really contribute right away for us next year and we’re going to get two of those guys.”
The Ravens enter the second day of the draft with some other major needs still remaining. With guard Marshal Yanda’s retirement this offseason, the interior of the offensive line might be Baltimore’s next biggest need. Finding more help at wide receiver for 2019 NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is a must. The Ravens also invested heavily this offseason along their defensive line but need more long-term depth there.
If DeCosta is to be believed — and draft talk should always be taken with a grain of salt — those needs match up well with who Baltimore has highly rated on their draft board.
“I love the board, I love the players available,” DeCosta continued. “I think you’ve got some offensive linemen we like, some receivers and defensive linemen we like, some running backs — it’s a strong group available”
With some pretty specific needs and a draft board that might not line up with where the Ravens pick, they could be movers and shakers on Friday. Baltimore certainly has the ammunition to make a move up for a player they love, with two second- and two third-round picks on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
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