Baltimore Ravens draft – Syndication Server

Ravens have virtual meeting with Tulsa OLB Zaven Collins

The Baltimore Ravens are clearly open to taking some pass-rushing help early in the 2020 NFL draft after meeting with Tulsa’s Zaven Collins.

The 2021 NFL draft is quickly approaching and without a traditional Scouting Combine this offseason due to COVID-19, things like pre-draft meetings could mean far more to teams like the Baltimore Ravens. As a part of their pre-draft process, the Ravens are meeting with Tulsa outside linebacker Zaven Collins, according to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo.

Baltimore is absolutely in the mix for help at outside linebacker regardless of what they do in free agency. Matthew Judon, Yannick Ngakoue, and Tyus Bowser are set to hit free agency and it’s not like the Ravens were stacked at the position heading into last season. While the potential loss of any of those players should be enough to have Baltimore very interested in a pass rusher early in the 2021 NFL draft, the lack of capable depth behind the starters helps solidify the case. If all three were to leave in free agency, the Ravens would just have Jaylon Ferguson and two undrafted players on the depth chart.

Baltimore was hoping to see more from Ferguson, who was selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. However, after two years in the league, Ferguson has seen his playing time decrease and failed to put up much production — combining for 4.5 sacks and 23 pressures in 28 games while seeing his snap count go from 499 (51%) in 2019 to 302 (28%) in 2020. Chauncey Rivers and Aaron Adeoye have some promising characteristics for undrafted players but they’ve combined to be on the field for just 23 snaps.

As we heard from general manager Eric DeCosta last year, the impact of the coronavirus on the scouting process has meant teams like Baltimore need to rely a little heavier on the things they can get. That means things like game film, virtual meetings, and talking to a prospect’s coaches will create the picture of where a prospect currently is and what they could become. It’s important to not read too much into pre-draft meetings but it does point to a team’s interest in a player at the least. And Collins is an intriguing option for Baltimore as early as the first round.

Collins has a dynamic and varied skill set that makes him attractive for a team like the Ravens. As NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein’s scouting report notes, Collins has the size, strength, and athleticism to make plays all over the field. He can rush the passer, drop back into coverage, set the edge, come up in run support, and everything in between.

Baltimore has typically loved linebackers with that type of versatility and has often eyed players like Collins rather than a pure pass rusher who might get more sacks but is far more limited overall. Unfortunately, that hasn’t always worked out for the Ravens. They’ve seen players like Kamalei Correa struggle, in part, because the constant moving around they’re asked to do doesn’t allow them to become truly adept at any one thing. On the flip side, players like Matthew Judon have been absolute steals later in the draft thanks to their versatility.

Regardless of if Collins eventually dons the purple and black in Baltimore or not, the Ravens are clearly interested in finding some more help at outside linebacker in the 2021 NFL draft.

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2-round mock draft has Ravens finding immediate impact defenders

In our two-round Baltimore Ravens mock draft, the team picks up two great young defenders that should make an immediate impact.

The offseason is upon us which means it’s really mock draft season. While there are so many things to cover throughout the offseason, the NFL draft remains the highlight. With the Baltimore Ravens’ season over and the major team needs outlined, it’s time to do our very first mock draft of the offseason, focusing on the first two rounds of the 2021 NFL draft.

For this two-round mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator and their predictive board. I chose the best player available that fit one of the team’s biggest needs. While there were some exciting prospects at other positions who were higher rated on the board, I went after the players who I thought best fit what Baltimore is looking to do and its “play like a Raven” mentality.

While I believe the Ravens desperately need help at wide receiver and interior offensive line, there were no good values on the board at either of Baltimore’s two picks. But in typical Ravens fashion, I was able to find some pretty exciting defensive talent available at both of Baltimore’s picks.

Let’s take a look at how it all shook out.

Ravens select Miami pass rusher Jaelan Phillips in Draft Wire’s post Senior Bowl mock draft

The Baltimore Ravens address their shortage of capable pass rushers in Draft Wire’s latest mock draft following the Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl has developed into a major part of the NFL draft process, giving teams a closer look at some of the nation’s top college players in pads one final time. With the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine effectively not happening this offseason due to COVID-19 and teams having to rely solely on individual college Pro Days, the Senior Bowl will carry even more weight.

With the Senior Bowl just wrapping up this weekend, Luke Easterling of Draft Wire put together his latest mock draft, taking into account how it’ll impact the first round. Easterling had the Baltimore Ravens select Miami pass rusher Jaelan Phillips.

“With this pick, the Ravens have proven they love value and defense in the first round, and Phillips is a perfect blend of both,” Easterling said. “He’s still a bit raw, but the physical tools and potential are off the charts.”

Phillips played his first two seasons at UCLA before transferring to Miami in 2020. Over those three seasons, Phillips played in 20 games, notching 12.5 sacks, an interception, 86 combined tackles, and 23.5 tackles for a loss.

While Phillips’ stats aren’t exactly eye-popping, he’s a very balanced and versatile EDGE player, according to The Draft Network’s Joe Marino. He can play at a variety of different spots on the field (from playing with his hand in the dirt at defensive end to being an upright outside linebacker) while being just as dedicated against the run as he is against the pass. However, despite that wide range, it’s all still pretty raw ability as Easterling noted.

While that might not sound appealing for a first-round pick, the incredibly high ceiling Phillips has should be. Phillips could also be a much-needed selection if both Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue leave in free agency this offseason. Even if the Ravens are able to re-sign one of their veteran pass rushers, continuing to stack talent at the position through the draft is a smart move.

For those fans that might be upset this pick isn’t a much-needed wide receiver, don’t worry, Easterling has you covered there too. He specifically calls out the need for a big-bodied wide receiver but believes Baltimore will remedy that in free agency.

“Lamar Jackson needs a receiver with some size, but I expect them to target a top free agent such as Allen Robinson II to fill that role.”

If Esterling’s predictions are right on the money, this will be an extremely successful offseason for the Ravens. They will have filled their top-two needs with players who will have an immediate impact, which should propel them further next season.

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Mel Kiper’s 1st mock draft has Ravens picking top WR in 2021 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens remedy their weakest position in Mel Kiper’s first mock draft, selecting LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.

The Baltimore Ravens once again come into the offseason in need of help at wide receiver. Not only did Baltimore not have enough offensive firepower at times last season, leading to their early exit from the postseason, but the Ravens could also potentially lose Willie Snead in free agency. So with Mel Kiper’s first mock draft, the ESPN draft analyst took care of Baltimore’s biggest offseason need.

Kiper has the Ravens selecting LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. with the No. 27 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. And Kiper’s explanation perfectly fits Baltimore’s woes.

The Ravens’ passing attack did not take a step forward in Lamar Jackson’s second full season as the starting quarterback. Marquise Brown was the only receiver who caught at least 35 passes, and even he was too inconsistent. Baltimore had the fewest passing attempts, passing yards and passing first downs in the league. Adding another top-tier wideout is how it can really take the offense to the next level. Marshall was coming on as LSU’s top wideout this season, and he had 10 touchdowns in seven games before he opted out of the season in November. He has some quickness in a 6-3 frame.

While Brown did step his game up in the final few weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs, he hasn’t been the ultimate answer many were hoping for. Brown’s straight-line speed and open-field quickness make him a real asset but the Ravens need a big-bodied possession receiver capable of moving the chains as well as he can put up touchdowns.

The hope was Miles Boykin would turn into that type of weapon for Baltimore. But Boykin never really fulfilled the role, ultimately seeing the Ravens bring in 37-year-old Dez Bryant to help out. There still should be hope Boykin can make a leap in his third season but the team would be wise not to count on it and, instead, continue to stack talent at arguably their worst position.

Marshall played second fiddle to Justin Jefferson in LSU’s offense in 2019 before getting his crack as the top dog in 2020. With Jefferson’s impressive rookie campaign with the Minnesota Vikings, it’s easy to wonder if Marshall will have a similar entrance to the NFL.

Marshall might not be the fastest guy on the field but he’s fast enough to get behind defenders. He knows how to use his body to guard passes away from defenders and high-point the ball in contested situations. He shows enough polish on his routes to create some separation and has the play-strength to power through would-be tacklers for extra yards. Perhaps more importantly, Marshall is sure-handed and isn’t afraid to make catches in traffic in the middle of the field.

It’s still far too early to know how the 2021 NFL draft will shape up but Kiper’s selection for the Ravens is a good one.

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James Proche’s quickness, intelligence has him primed for big rookie season according to WR guru

Don’t discount the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie James Proche. Guru David Robinson points to his smarts and quickness as an indication of success.

The Baltimore Ravens are quietly building up one of the more formidable offenses in the league. While many are giving Baltimore credit for having the reigning MVP in quarterback Lamar Jackson, few are really taking notice at what the Ravens are building around their franchise passer.

Baltimore has one of the best offensive lines in the game, with bookend tackles Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown highlighting the group. Of course, the Ravens are well known for their rushing attack, which broke a 41-year old record last season. But it’s Baltimore’s growing wide receiver corps that could be something special, even if no one player will truly put themselves at the top of the league.

For the third consecutive year, the Ravens added two wide receivers through the NFL Draft. Though much of the attention has gone to third-round selection Devin Duvernay, people shouldn’t forget about sixth-round pick James Proche. For as talented, fast, and sure-handed as Duvernay is, Proche could truly rival him physically. And with the hard work Proche is putting in this offseason, he might actually be set up to have the better rookie season of the pair.

It’s not like Proche doesn’t have the stats to back it up either. Proche’s last season at SMU saw him catch 111 passes for 1,225 yards and 15 touchdowns. Proche actually has more consistent stats overall, catching 301 total passes for 3,949 receiving yards and 39 receiving touchdowns compared to Duvernay’s 2,468 yards and 16 touchdowns on 176 receptions.

Proche has been training with David Robinson, a skills coach who has worked with a bunch of Pro Bowl talent from around the league, including Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Adrian Peterson, Dez Bryant, and Chris Godwin. You might have even seen Robinson working with Jaleel Scott, Antoine Wesley, and Duvernay this offseason. In talking with Robinson about what he’s seen from Proche so far, he was very high on his ability to get open.

“He’s very hard to cover on those option routes, covering the man-to-man, the bump-and-run, press coverage,” Robinson said. “It’s going to be really hard to put hands on him because he’s really quick and elusive on the line of scrimmage.”

Robinson’s evaluation echoes what we said about Proche right after he was drafted by Baltimore. He’s got more speed than many are giving him credit for, and when teamed up with his agility and sure hands as well as improving route running, Proche shouldn’t be taken lightly. Backup quarterback Robert Griffin III also spoke highly of Proche’s work ethic while Robinson praised his intelligence.

“He’s very very intelligent, very smart,” Robinson continued. “You’re getting a player similar to like Jarvis Landry when he came out. Very similar in stature but knows the game like a quarterback knows the game. That’s what’s really going to, I believe, help him have a long career in the NFL.”

If Robinson’s projection is anywhere close to correct and Proche can live up to Landry’s billing, the Ravens are getting a monster on the inside. Landry caught 84 passes for 758 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie with the Miami Dolphins before breaking the 1,100-yard mark the following season.

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Ravens pick up another top WR in Draft Wire’s latest 2021 mock draft

Draft Wire has the Baltimore Ravens grabbing Wake Forest WR Sage Surratt, further adding weapons for QB Lamar Jackson.

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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Devin Duvernay has his sights on emulating some Ravens greats

Meet one of the newest Baltimore Ravens, wide receiver Devin Duvernay

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After being taken in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, wide receiver Devin Duvernay was quick to establish what he will bring to the organization.

“I bring versatility, toughness, physicality, being able to not just go deep but go short, take it the distance, be involved in the screen game and with blocking,” Duvernay said at his introductory press conference. “I’ll kind of be an all-around player. I’m super excited.”

Duvernay thought he and the Ravens would be a “great fit” during the pre-draft process. He was thrilled to be compared to some past Ravens greats like Anquan Boldin and Derek Mason, but especially Steve Smith.

“Those are some great players, especially Steve Smith Sr,” Duvernay continued. “I grew up watching him and loved his game. He was kind of somebody I loved watching and wanted to be like – playing with that chip on my shoulder. It means a lot to get a comparison like that. I just have to keep working, continue to get better, and maybe I can be like them one day.”

If Duvernay wants to be considered one of Baltimore’s great wide receivers, it wouldn’t take much to make the top of the list. The Ravens have struggled to draft and develop receivers over the years. Torrey Smith has been their best homegrown talent, putting up 3,591 receiving yards and 30 receiving touchdowns over four years before leaving in free agency.

Steve Smith Sr. was with Baltimore for three seasons, though his second year saw him head to injured reserve after seven games due to an Achilles tear. But over 37 games with the Ravens, Smith caught 195 balls for 2,534 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. Despite his limited tenure in Baltimore, Smith is ranked 10th on the Ravens’ franchise receiving yards list, putting up the second-highest receiving yards-per-game average in franchise history.

Baltimore hopes to have ended their wide receiver woes and have some promising players on the roster now in addition to Duvernay. The Ravens’ first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Marquise Brown, had an outstanding rookie campaign even with injuries slowing him down. Miles Boykin, a third-round pick last year, showed flashes throughout the season.

If Duvernay continues to have the drive of Smith, it seems like a matter of time before he becomes one of Baltimore’s top options.

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Best OL prospect for the Ravens in each round of the 2020 NFL Draft

An offensive lineman in each round of the NFL Draft to interest the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens could stand to improve their offensive line in the 2020 NFL Draft, particularly in light of certain developments concerning their 2019 personnel.

While the Ravens are returning 10 of their 11 offensive starters from last season, their lone loss is a massive one. Long-time guard Marshal Yanda called it a career this offseason, creating a big hole in their offensive line that they’ll have to fill. While Ben Powers shouldn’t be forgotten and should be penciled in as the starter there, Baltimore could turn to the 2020 NFL Draft to find more competition for the now-vacant role.

In addition to right guard, the Ravens could use more depth along their entire offensive line. Though Patrick Mekari filled in well and Matt Skura appears to be rehabilitating nicely from the torn ACL, MCL, PCL and dislocated knee cap that sent him to injured reserve last season, there’s no clear timetable for his return. With Baltimore’s offense being so run-heavy and an emphasis on protecting mobile MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, the offensive line could be one area the Ravens focus in on for the 2020 NFL Draft.

With all of that in mind, here’s how Baltimore could fill their offensive line needs in each round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

1st Round – C/G Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU

Skura was good in 2019 before suffering his injury and Mekari filled in well. But in Cushenberry, the Ravens have a chance to nab the top center prospect in this draft class. Cushenberry was a member of the LSU line that won the Joe Moore Award for the best line in college football last season, also helping propel quarterback Joe Burrow as the sure-fire No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Cushenberry took snaps at both center and guard for LSU, so he offers some positional versatility. He is an excellent pass protector but could stand to develop a nastier edge in the ground game. He is a good run blocker, but with some development, he could become great.

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Best pass rush prospect for the Ravens in each round of the 2020 NFL Draft

The Baltimore Ravens need to continue to beef up their pass rush and will likely turn to the 2020 NFL Draft as their remedy.

Despite the additions of Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe this offseason, one of the Baltimore Ravens’ biggest priorities heading into the draft will be to beef up their outside pass rush. The Ravens were the most blitz heavy team in the NFL in 2019, but despite sending extra rushers on 54.9% of their defensive snaps they still finished the season with the 12th fewest sacks.

Though Baltimore has outside linebacker Matthew Judon returning in 2020 via the franchise tag, they could use some help opposite him and potentially need his replacement. In order to remedy their pass rush and build towards the future, the Ravens will likely turn to the 2020 NFL Draft. But as we’ve seen in previous years, Baltimore won’t reach for a player and could look to any of the seven rounds for their player.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the best options for the Ravens in each round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

1st Round – Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

The two best edge-rushing prospects in the draft, Chase Young and K’Lavon Chaisson, will be long gone by the time the Ravens make their first pick at 28. But there’s a good chance Gross-Matos will still be available.

Gross-Matos ended his time with the Penn State Nittany Lions with 18.5 sacks as well as a whopping 36.5 tackles for loss. He played as an edge defender for most of his career but was often deployed inside on passing downs. His versatility would be an asset to Baltimore and make him a handy tool for defensive coordinator Don Martindale.

Gross-Matos is far from a finished product but he has enough skills to contribute as a pass rush specialist early in his career while he finetunes the rest of his game.

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Todd McShay changes it up for Ravens in 2-round mock draft

Draft analyst Todd McShay gives the Baltimore Ravens an interesting pick in the first round to shake things up in the 2020 NFL Draft.

As we get nearer to the 2020 NFL Draft, mock drafts are becoming a bit predictable for the Baltimore Ravens. With the Ravens having done nothing to address inside linebacker this offseason and few good options remaining, most mock drafts have sent Patrick Queen or Kenneth Murray Baltimore’s way in the first round.

ESPN’s Todd McShay noted that in his two-round mock draft, giving the Ravens TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock at No. 28 instead.

We’ve all been handing either Queen or Murray to Baltimore in this spot, and if either were available, one would still be the pick. But with no inside linebackers on the board within range, I’m instead turning my attention to the defensive front. Trading for Calais Campbell and bringing Matthew Judon back on the franchise tag do wonders for the edge rush, and new signee Derek Wolfe helps the interior a bit, but Blacklock’s quick hands and burst fit what the Ravens want up the middle.

It’s an interesting decision to have Baltimore draft a defensive lineman after they brought in Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe while re-signing Jihad Ward and Justin Ellis this offseason too. Right now, the Ravens’ defensive line might be one of their deepest position groups.

There’s a case to be made for Baltimore still drafting defensive linemen this year since half of their depth chart is only under contract for the 2020 season and the rest are only signed through 2021. But it’s hard to see them doing it in the first round with so many more pressing needs remaining. While the Ravens have certainly stuck to the BPA model, Blacklock seems like a stretch at the end of the first round anyway considering Luke Easterling of Draft Wire ranks him the 11th best interior defensive lineman in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, wide receiver Tee Higgins, cornerback A.J. Terrell, center Cesar Ruiz, and running back D’Andre Swift were all still on the board when the Ravens picked and all look to be better options for Baltimore given their most pressing needs. But the Ravens have proven before they’ll take the player they love if he’s the highest rated on their board.

Click on the next page to see who McShay gave the Ravens with their two second-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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