The way defense is played in the NFL is ever-changing. As offenses begin to spread themselves out and throw the football more often, defenses are countering that by putting more defensive backs on the field. The end result is that linebackers that can play all three downs aren’t nearly as important as they were 10 years ago.
The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2020 NFL Draft with inside linebacker being one of their most pressing needs. With only L.J. Fort penciled in as a starter right now and Baltimore effectively having no depth behind him on their roster, the Ravens will need to add at least one more linebacker to their defense. However, by not necessarily needing a three-down linebacker, Baltimore is afforded a little flexibility with how they attack the draft this year.
“I think when we look at the board, there’s obviously guys who can do all three things – play the run, cover and blitz,” director of college scouting Joe Hortiz said at the Ravens’ pre-draft press conference. “But I think when we look at the guys throughout the draft, there are players that can help us in specific roles. There are guys in the mid-rounds that can come in and cover, maybe play the run.”
If the Ravens want to find that all-around player, they’ll likely have opportunities to do so in the first round. LSU’s Patrick Queen, Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray and even Wisconsin’s Zack Baun have all been frequently mocked to Baltimore with their 28th overall pick. While each player offers a slightly different flavor, all three can do everything well enough to warrant being taken that early.
But on the flip side, the Ravens could look for role players in later rounds if they wish. Guys like Oregon’s Troy Dye and Ohio State’s Malik Harrison fit two different styles of play — one better at coming down in run defense with the other better in coverage. Or they can look for a developmental prospect that does both reasonably well in Mississippi State’s Willie Gay Jr. while finding additional help in free agency to round out the group.
The Ravens have loved going into the draft with as much flexibility as possible. By not having to necessarily chase any needs, Baltimore has been able to find star players like cornerback Marlon Humphrey and outside linebacker Matthew Judon by simply letting their draft board come to them. In the 2020 NFL Draft, things aren’t any different and with nine picks — including seven in the first 134 picks — the Ravens should be able to find immediate contributors at a number of positions of need.
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