The 2020 NFL Draft is nearly upon us with only hours to go before the first round kicks off. Draft analysts are getting in their final mock drafts ahead of the start and ESPN’s Mel Kiper is no different. Considered one of the best draft analysts in the business, Kiper has been honed in with the Baltimore Ravens in every mock draft he’s done.
For the fifth time out of five mock drafts, Kiper has the Ravens selecting LSU linebacker Patrick Queen at No. 28.
“I have had Queen to the Ravens on my previous mock drafts, and I don’t see a reason to move away. If Queen is off the board, however, don’t be surprised if Baltimore snags a wide receiver.”
You have to appreciate that at a time where analysts will throw different things at the wall for every team, Kiper has kept it the same for Baltimore. And it’s hard to argue with his reasoning. The Ravens need help at inside linebacker and Queen is considered one of the best three-down options in the 2020 NFL Draft. Queen has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline, drop into coverage and can thump when asked to come up in run support. In such a pass-happy league, the ability to cover as well as tackle running backs is something every team is desperate for.
It’s worth noting Kiper has Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III falling all the way to No. 22. With a need at that position, it would be interesting to see if the Ravens would move up and grab the falling Ruggs to plug into their offense or sit tight. Though he says wide receiver could be an option at No. 28 if Queen is off the board, Kiper has six pass catchers getting picked before Baltimore ever gets on the clock, making it a pretty big reach to go get one at that point.
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