Baltimore Ravens mock draft – Syndication Server

Daniel Jeremiah mock draft 2.0: Ravens add the best safety in 2021 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens avoid their biggest needs to take the far better value in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft of the 2021 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2021 offseason with a pretty well-known list of needs. But with a philosophy of picking the best value available in the draft, Baltimore is anything but an easy team to predict. One such man, NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, certainly knows that.

Jeremiah was a scout for the Ravens from 2003-2007, so he probably has a little more insight into how they operate than most draft analysts out there, even if he never served under current general manager Eric DeCosta. So, when Jeremiah puts out a mock draft, it’s worth paying a little extra attention to.

With his second mock draft of the offseason, Jeremiah has Baltimore taking a surprise with the No. 27 pick, grabbing TCU safety Trevon Moehrig. He chalks the selection up to Moehrig simply being the best player available, which surpassed the Ravens’ more pressing needs.

But Baltimore fans shouldn’t be too upset. Jeremiah is quite high on Moehrig, making him the only safety on his top-50 big board, ranking 16th overall. It’s also a position that’s one of the Ravens’ sneakier needs as both DeShon Elliott and Chuck Clark are more strong safeties than ball-hawking free safeties. And Moehrig isn’t just a great value, he fits Baltimore’s need right on the nose.

According to Jeremiah’s scouting report, Moehrig has excellent versatility and instincts and can play deep or cover from the slot. As Jeremiah notes, “Moehrig offers a complete skill set” and he certainly looks the part of a Ravens safety with his nose for the ball and willingness to come up and hit a ball carrier. Over three seasons at TCU, Moehrig came down with seven interceptions, 21 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

While Baltimore has a stacked secondary already with Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters on the outside, Jimmy Smith and Tavon Young on the inside. But by adding a true free safety in Moehrig, the Ravens would legitimately have one of the most well-rounded and deep secondaries in the NFL. If they can manage to add to their pass rush and linebacker Patrick Queen makes a jump in his second season in addition to draft Moehrig, Baltimore would be well suited to dominate on defense.

There’s a reason Moehrig has often been off the board well before the Ravens get on the clock. If he’s available to them at No. 27, don’t be shocked to see DeCosta eschew Baltimore’s bigger needs to go get a Moehrig.

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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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Ravens bolster offense and defense in 2-round 2021 mock draft

The Baltimore Ravens add to their offensive weapons with WR Rashod Bateman while getting more DL depth with Phidarian Mathis in this mock

The 2020 regular season hasn’t even hit yet but that doesn’t mean we can’t start thinking ahead to what the offseason might bring. That’s precisely what Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling did, taking a look at what the 2021 NFL Draft might look like in about 10 months.

Using the latest Super Bowl odds to set the draft order, Easterling played general manager for the Baltimore Ravens and every other team in a two-round mock draft. With the 30th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Easterling has the Ravens taking Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

Just like we saw in the 2020 NFL Draft, the top wide receivers came off the board well before Baltimore was on the clock Bateman is the fifth wide receiver selected but that doesn’t mean he’s some scrub, however.

Bateman has good size at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. But more importantly, Bateman has great hands and good route running to make him a complete wide receiver. He’s got the straight-line speed to be a deep threat, and the physicality and agility to turn an underneath reception into a touchdown. He could fit in well in the slot or be pushed to the outside in Baltimore’s scheme, all depending on how Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin perform this year.

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Easterling wasn’t done with just one round though, picking through a second round. While he boosted the Ravens’ offense in the first round, Easterling double-dipped on Baltimore’s tendencies, picking Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis with the 62nd overall pick.

Mathis can play a bunch of different roles on the defensive line, having the size to eat up space in run support and the athleticism to get into the backfield and harass quarterbacks. That versatility would come in handy for the Ravens, who have a bunch of their defensive linemen set to be free agents next offseason or the year after.

Mathis being taken in the second round might be a little projection on the part of Easterling, however. While Mathis certainly looks the part on paper, he’s still pretty raw in his technique. But as we see every year, some players have it all come together seemingly overnight as they enter their final year in college. If Mathis can refine his technique a little more to match his physical attributes, he easily could be a second-round pick Baltimore would love to have.

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Ravens mock draft: Day 2 has immediate starters and star power remaining

The Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to have four picks on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft and get some amazing steals in my latest mock draft

The Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to have four picks on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. With around 25-30 players still available who could immediately contribute, according to general manager Eric DeCosta, there are sure to be some great picks for Baltimore ahead of us.

With the first round wrapped up, I turned to FanSpeak to run a mock draft of the second and third rounds to see who the Ravens might pick. And I couldn’t have been any happier with the results. With four picks, I was able to get Baltimore two immediate starters and two players who could start as early as 2021.

Take a look at who I picked for the Ravens on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

2nd round (No. 55): OL Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU

The Ravens haven’t ever drafted an LSU player before, so why not make it two in a row and reunite Queen with his former teammate in Cushenberry? In reality, Cushenberry was the top-rated player still on the board at a position of need and is the second-best interior offensive lineman in this draft class.

Cushenberry is technically sound and well polished, even if he doesn’t have the highest ceiling in this draft class. While Baltimore missed out on Cesar Ruiz in the first round, they get a guy that will compete for a starting job as a rookie. You can’t ever go wrong getting a potential starter at a position of need.

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Mel Kiper’s final mock draft doesn’t change a thing for the Ravens

With his fifth and final mock draft ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper keeps things exactly the same for the Baltimore Ravens.

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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Ravens mock draft – probability edition: Picking the best player available most often

A comprehensive look at which players will be available most often for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 NFL Draft and creating a mock draft

It’s almost here. The 2020 NFL Draft is just over a week away and everyone is chomping at the bit to know what the Baltimore Ravens will do. In a world of a million mock drafts, I decided to take a deeper look into the possibilities that players will actually be available for Baltimore.

For this mock draft, I ran three different mock draft simulators — The Draft Network, Mock Draft Database and eight different big boards on FanSpeak — to find the probability a player would be available for the Ravens when they’re on the board. I didn’t account for any trades in this mock and every player named in it was either the best player available, a positional need, or a combination of the two.

The hope is we’ll see which options will realistically still be on the board so we can better guess which way Baltimore will go in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1st Round, Pick 28

LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma – Available 40% of the time

Murray was the most frequently available player at No. 28. The only player close to his frequency was fellow linebacker Patrick Queen (20% of the time). Between the two linebackers, the Ravens took a linebacker 60% of the time.

Murray is blazing fast for a linebacker, running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, his decision-making skills are the biggest knock against him, seeing him susceptible to getting roped in by play action.

Murray had the benefit of playing behind a talented defensive line at Oklahoma and if the Ravens drafted him, he certainly would benefit from playing behind the likes of Calais Campbell, Matthew Judon, Brandon Williams and Derek Wolfe.

Murray is clearly fast enough but will need to develop better instincts and decision-making skills to really flourish in the NFL.

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Mel Kiper 2-round mock draft gives Ravens 3 immediate starters

The Baltimore Ravens address three of their biggest needs in ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s two-round mock of the 2020 NFL Draft.

ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper is widely considered one of the best in the business. So when he does a mock draft, people tune in to what he says. In his latest mock draft, and the first two-rounder he’s done this offseason, Kiper stuck with a familiar face for the Baltimore Ravens.

For the fourth time in four mock drafts, Kiper has the Ravens picking LSU linebacker Patrick Queen at No. 28.

The Ravens lost a few defensive linemen this offseason, but they upgraded by trading for Calais Campbell and signing Derek Wolfe. What they haven’t replaced, however, is inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, who left the team in free agency last year and whose absence was felt throughout the 2019 season. Queen, a run-and-hit linebacker with stellar instincts, could fill that void. With Marshal Yanda retiring, guard is another option here.

With Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz going off the board a pick earlier to the Seattle Seahawks and the top pass rushers already gone, Queen makes a lot of sense for Baltimore here. As many other mock drafts having Queen fall to the Ravens have pointed out too, Kiper noted the loss of linebacker C.J. Mosley from last offseason still hasn’t been adequately replaced.

However, Baltimore doesn’t necessarily need to go linebacker early on. Ravens director of college scouting Joe Hortiz has pointed out that there are going to be linebackers available later who do individual things really well. If Baltimore wants to build up their depth chart at the position and not drop an early pick, they should be able to find one or two linebackers on the second or third day of the 2020 NFL Draft that can fill individual roles.

Even still, Queen is a solid pick that would immediately fill the void in the middle of Baltimore’s defense. With their other offseason additions added in, the Ravens should have one of the best defenses in the league with Queen a centerpiece for at least the next few years.

Let’s see who Kiper has Baltimore grabbing in the second round with their two picks. Click to the next page to find out.

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Dueling 4-round mock draft has Ravens going in different directions

With the same prospects available in our mock draft, we each tried to predict what the Baltimore Ravens would do in the 2020 NFL Draft

With the 2020 NFL Draft going all-digital thanks to social distancing from the coronavirus, things could get a little interesting this year. While picking exactly what any single team will do in the draft is a fool’s errand, the turbulence of this year’s draft make it even harder to predict. To try and narrow down what the Baltimore Ravens might do, we’ve created a dueling mock draft.

Using The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator to pick for the 31 other teams, Kevin and I looked at what prospects were still available when Baltimore was on the clock through the first four rounds. These were the picks we each made for the Ravens in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1st round (No. 28)

Matt: LB Patrick Queen, LSU

Inside linebacker might be Baltimore’s most pressing need right now. While the position has gotten less valuable over time with defenses playing more dime, the Ravens are probably one of the few teams that could still use a true three-down linebacker. Queen would be one of the best answers to that hole.

Queen is a smart, fast and rangy linebacker that can drop back into coverage as well as come down in run support and lay the hammer. He’s an immediate starter with legitimate Pro Bowl capability, which is impressive to find this late in the first round. That’s too much to pass up, regardless of what other needs might exist.

Kevin: EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

Epenesa would be a great selection at 28 for the Ravens. Due to a poor performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, it seems he’s fallen a bit from the top-20 pick he was supposed to be, but he still presents great value. Epenesa can play both defensive end and EDGE, where Baltimore can experiment with him in multiple different positions on the defense. He can also be insurance incase one of the Ravens new defensive linemen gets injured. He’s long, powerful, instinctive, and dominates at the point of attack. He truly screams “Raven”.

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