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The Ravens will take an OT with the first pick in the 2017 draft. This is why it makes sense.
The cap space the Baltimore Ravens started the beginning of the league year is almost spent, mainly to upgrade the defensive backfield. It is unrealistic to expect the Ravens to add anyone more than a mid-tier player as a one year stopgap. The 2017 NFL Draft will fill the rest of Baltimore's needs.
The Ravens have a handful of needs heading into the draft; the most glaring positional need the Ravens did not fix in free agency was right tackle, where they lost starter, Rick Wagner. The Ravens did not sign his replacement, or any other O-lineman for that matter. The Ravens don’t possess an internal replacement on the roster who's played right tackle, save Marshal Yanda. Marshal expressed his preference for playing right guard, his natural position, where he is a perennial an All-Pro. From a pure need standpoint, right tackle is either the number 1 or 1A on the draft wish list, along with edge rusher.
From an economic standpoint, drafting OT in the first round makes sense. The man the Ravens are replacing, Rick Wagner, received a $9.5M/year deal. What's worrisome, this is an average salary for a starter quality OT in free agency. For example, Riley Reiff, who was considered a draft disappointment, got a five-year deal worth $58.75M, with $26.3 million guaranteed. In contrast, the contract for the 16th round pick in this year's draft is 4 yrs./$11.8M. For the cost of only one year of Riley Reiff, Baltimore secures the right tackle position for four years, plus an option year.
It’s also worth remembering the Ravens left tackle, Ronnie Stanley, is locked into his rookie deal for the next four years, thus maximizing our cap flexibility for other positions. If the Ravens were to also select one of the top centers in the draft, Pocic or Elflein, in the 3rd round, Baltimore then starts the youngest, cheapest and quite possibly one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
The Ravens draft might look something like this:
1st Round – OT
2nd Round – Edge
3rd Round – Center
3rd Round Comp - WR
Just a thought.
To continue, here’s a guide to start studying who could be Baltimore's first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Height: 6-6. Weight: 322. Arm: 35.5
Robinson had a strong start to the 2016 season with a number of impressive performances, including games against USC and Arkansas. He held Razorbacks edge rusher Deatrich Wise Jr. to two tackles. Robinson held his own against Ole Miss, but did have an ugly play getting bull rushed by the Rebels' Marquis Haynes. Robinson had a rough start against Tennessee's Derek Barnett giving up a sack and some pressures before settling down to have a strong final three quarters versus the Volunteers edge rusher. Robinson had a good game against Texas A&M superstar Myles Garrett and kept Garrett from getting a sack.
Summary: My choice as the most experienced, least risk, lowest floor, with all the measurables you want for an OT. Any concerns about Cam handling speed on the blind side would be overcome if you put him at RT, but bonus that he can also play LT if needed.
Ryan Ramcyzk, OT, Wisconsin
Height: 6-6. Weight: 310. Arm: 33.25
He is quick out his stance, fast to hit blocks in the second level, and is able to get in position for blocks in space. In pass protection, he can play the type writer with his feet and shuffle with rushers. Ramcyzk gets depth in his drop as well. Sometimes though, he can be slow to react and adjust to counter pass-rush moves. Ramcyzk also needs to add more strength. He can get bull rushed and pushed back by rushers. His frame doesn't look maxed out, however, and he should get stronger in a NFL strength and conditioning program. He was rock solid in pass protection and very good at opening holes in the ground game.
Summary: Ramcyzk has only one year of FSB experience after starting at D-III while he pondered whether football was his future. Ramczyk underwent surgery Jan. 5 to repair damage in his right hip. But he has the measurable and his one year of game tape says he’s the real deal, but he does not have the experience level of Cam Robinson.
Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
Height: 6-5. Weight: 297. Arm: 34.
Bolles was on my 2018 NFL Draft addition list after a quality junior season. Many didn't expect Bolles to enter the 2017 NFL Draft after only one season at Utah, but the junior college product decided to skip his senior season. Bolles started at left tackle in 2016 and was a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection for the Utes. Bolles will need to work on pass protection for NFL speed rushers. He will be also significantly older than most rookies as he turns 25 a few weeks after the 2017 NFL Draft.
Summary: With a "Michael Oher Story" type of background, Bolles has all of the measurable and a touch of nastiness you want in a RT. With only one year of FSB experience, he is the least technically sound of the three and carries the highest character flags due to his past.
Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
Height: 6-3. Weight: 305. Arm: 31.13. Hand: 10.88
Lamp was the best offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl, prior to a high ankle sprain that ended his week early. He is strong at the point of attack with the ability to get a push in the ground game. He also has enough athleticism and quick feet to slide in pass protection. Lamp has some natural strength and looks like a guard for the NFL. Sources have said that Lamp graded out as a second-rounder, but there is the possibility that a team takes him late in the first round.
Summary: Lamp probably projects best as a guard for the NFL. But his athleticism and ability to possibly play all positions across the O-line make him an intriguing pick.
Even if the Ravens find spare change between the sofa cushions, signing a right tackle from the bargain bin of other team’s castoffs will likely cost $3-4M. The economic/analytics question: Can the Ravens get a player better than a Ryan Clady, arguably best of the remaining offensive tackles, in the draft for less money?
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