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One of the staple first-rounders SB Nation's Mocking the Draft has Baltimore taking is Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan.
In this week's mock draft, nothing is different. Lewan is once again the pick at 17th overall. Here's why, according to SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn:
"The Ravens brought back Eugene Monroe, but losing Michael Oher leaves a hole at right tackle. Taylor Lewan may have been a top-10 pick with a stronger senior season and no off-the-field trouble. Still, he has the ideal build and skill set to play tackle in the NFL. Consistency is his biggest issue."
Despite those off-field issues, which include misdemeanor battery charges, Lewan still projects to be a first-rounder. He had potential to be a top five pick if he would've declared for the draft after his redshirt junior season, though he'll certainly take being a first-rounder if given the chance.
He'd certainly shore up an offensive line still looking for a starting right tackle. He'd immediately compete with Rick Wagner for the spot and would have a decent shot at beating him out for it.
As for the second-round pick, Mocking the Draft has Baltimore selecting Notre Dame defensive end Stephon Tuitt. Here's why:
"After losing Arthur Jones in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens have a hole to fill on their defensive line. Stephon Tuitt has experience playing defensive end in a 3-4 defense and is a huge value here based on our big board."
This pick does make sense, though I think a lot of us have underestimated the need for a 3-4 defensive end in this draft class. If the Ravens don't take a player at this position that can compete for a starting spot, then Brandon Williams and DeAngelo Tyson would likely fight it out for the three-technique starting spot.
Tyson has shown glimpses of becoming a regular contributor so I'm not ready to say the Ravens need a player to plug in as a starter. Tyson should definitely get a shot at it, just as Williams should. But adding depth to the defensive line never hurts, especially for a team that wants to be physical at the point of attack.