Ravens seven round mock draft 3.0

This is the third edition of my Ravens seven round mock draft. The Ravens selection is still at 16, but as player rankings change, and college football came to a close as Clemson knocked off Alabama, it’s time to create a new mock draft. Yet again, I used the Walk the Mock draft simulator to complete my draft.

First Round: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Unless the Ravens add a wide receiver before the draft, the position will be the team’s biggest need. It is time to add an elite option, and that is absolutely what Davis is. I believe Davis is not only a better player than Clemson’s Mike Williams, but Davis is also a better fit for the Ravens. Check out a more in depth analysis of Davis is my second seven round mock draft.

Second Round: Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC

I love this pick. Jackson has taken a bit of slide down draft boards, but he could serve the Ravens in two different phases. Not only is Jackson a solid cover corner, highlighted in shutting down Alabama’s Calvin Ridley in the first game of the 2016 season, but Jackson is the most dynamic special teams player in this draft as well. The return game was an issue for the Ravens throughout the season. Devin Hester was not the answer, and neither was Michael Campanaro or Chris Moore.

The Ravens in-house return options do not come with a threat to take it to the house whenever they touch the ball. Jackson absolutely has that potential. Tyreek Hill’s ability in the return game was huge for the Chiefs this year, and the Ravens could get a similar impact with Jackson. The knock on Jackson is that he can be beat deep. However, Jackson has incredible speed and athletic ability. The Ravens coaching staff will easily be able to fix the deficiency.

Third Round: Ryan Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Anderson was a very over looked player on an Alabama defensive line that boasted Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams. But Anderson is a great outside linebacker as well, and he truly jumped out in the National Championship game against Clemson. In that game, Anderson had a sack and a forced fumble. Against Washington in the Peach Bowl, Anderson had a pick six.

Anderson has the talent to go higher, but due to the depth of pass rushers in this draft, he will still be available in the third round. Anderson is lauded for how well rounded he is. Alabama used him as a pass rusher, as a run stopper and in coverage. Anderson excelled at all three, and seems to fit very well as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Fourth Round: Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama

Going right back to the Tide with the Ravens fourth round pick, Eddie Jackson. Jackson missed most of Alabama’s 2016 season with an injury, and does come with viable durability concerns as this was not the first time he suffered a major injury. However, the Ravens can afford to take a risk here, as Jackson was regarded as one of the best safeties in the nation before his 2016 injury. Jackson is a good selection for the Ravens because they don’t need to throw him into the lineup. Lardarius Webb and Eric Weddle both had excellent seasons. Jackson will have time to fully recover, and sit behind Webb and Weddle to develop. He will be groomed as the safety of the future as both Webb and Weddle are over 30 years old.

Jackson has great ball skills, he had six interceptions in 2015, including one in Alabama’s title game win over Clemson. He also led the nation in interception return yards in 2015, proving his ability with the ball in his hands. He needs to work on helping against the run, but he will have time to improve as again, the Ravens still have Weddle and Webb. This pick could prove to be a steal in the long run for the Ravens.

Fifth Round: Hunter Dimick, EDGE, Utah

You made not have heard of Dimick, but the Utah product is one of the best pass rushers in the nation. Dimick totaled 14.5 sacks in his senior season, including an incredible five sack game against Arizona State. Dimick also had eight passes defended this season, and incredible number for a pass rusher. Dimick played DE at Utah but would transition well to outside linebacker where the Ravens would more likely use him.

Sixth Round: Jay Guillermo, C, Clemson

Guillermo is one of the better centers in the nation, and had a great game against Alabama. Clemson’s offensive line played well down the stretch of the National Championship game, allowing Deshaun Watson and the rest of the offense to drive down the field. Guillermo did a solid job against Jonathan Allen.

Seventh Round: Jamar Summers, CB, UConn

Summers doesn’t make many interceptions, but he has great ball skills, finishing the year with eight passes defended. The downside to Summers is that he isn’t great against the run, but his ball skills will be what carries him to the NFL.

The following are key dates to watch for in the lead up to the draft:

• Senior Bowl practices are on January 24, 25 and 26.
• The Senior Bowl game is on January 27
• The East-West Shrine Game is on January 21
• The NFL Draft Combine starts on February 28 and goes through March 6

Keep an eye out for more mock drafts, as player rankings are sure to change in the coming weeks.