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The Ravens could use a big, rangy receiver in this year's draft class.
But would they take a chance on one with some baggage? As of now, SB Nation's Dan Kadar has the Ravens taking Oklahoma receiver Dorial Green-Beckham in the first round at the 26th overall pick. Green-Beckham fits what the Ravens need on offense in terms of sheer talent —a 6-foot-6, 225-pound receiver with downfield speed.
However, Green-Beckham had some off-field issues during his collegiate career. He began at Missouri, where he was in trouble at least three times. The first two were marijuana related incidents. The third is the one that could scare the Ravens. Green-Beckham was accused of burglary and pushing an 18-year-old woman down a flight of stairs, which ultimately led to his dismissal at Missouri. He was never charged in the incident.
Even Kadar admits that Green-Beckham's past could make it difficult for the Ravens to take a chance on him. He wrote:
"It's true, adding Green-Beckham to Baltimore would be a tough sell. If he's clean and contrite in the interview process, he's a perfect fit for Baltimore. His deep ball ability complements where Joe Flacco excels and he can become an asset in the red zone."
Green-Beckham didn't play this season for Oklahoma after a waiver request was denied. In the end, he basically used the Sooners (not necessarily in a bad way) to continue working toward his goal of entering the 2015 NFL draft.
In 2013, Green-Beckham caught 59 passes for 883 yards and 12 touchdowns. His talent has never been questioned. He was arguably the No. 1 overall recruit coming out of high school in 2012.
Any team that drafts him, in the current climate the NFL is in, has to understand the risks in doing so. With everything the Ravens went through this past season, and the fact they've partnered up with the House of Ruth and the One Love Foundation, it is tough to think the Ravens will pull the trigger on Green-Beckham in the first round.
Green-Beckham may be the type of player the Ravens could use on the field. But the Ravens may not think they're in a place to take the kind of the risk they'd be making by drafting him this year.