The Baltimore Ravens have sort of made it common to trade down from the late first round and instead pick up a player that they think is a steal in the early second. Capitalizing on the trend of teams trying to move back into the first round to get that player that they just have to have, the Ravens have been one of the best teams in the last decade of fleecing teams for draft picks.
You can look back to Denver trading back into the first round to get quarterback Tim Tebow as a perfect example of how Ozzie Newsome values draft picks. The Ravens traded their 25th overall pick to the Broncos in exchange for the Broncos' second, third and fourth round picks. Don't doubt that the Ozzie Newsome and the rest of the front office wouldn't jump on that deal again if it came up tonight.
We've discussed the Ravens' needs in this draft and it should come as no secret that the Ravens would like to try and address them all. With the team needing tight end, cornerback, wide receiver, pass rusher and even a running back; the Ravens could find great value in the early second round.
With reports coming out about several prospects, the Ravens could find that they have several players worthy of their first round pick available to them at the 26th overall selection. In that case, the Ravens could easily decide that they would rather stockpile a few more picks and trade back into the early second round and still get one of the players on their board.
Players like Maxx Williams are not generally considered a first round talent, but could be a good steal for the Ravens if they decide to trade back. The Ravens have been mocked Marcus Peters, which would be a good selection; but with Peters' flags, the Ravens could decide that he just isn't worth the risk in the first round but that a player like Kevin Johnson or Byron Jones would be more fitting in the second round. The top two rushers are expected off the boards by the time the Ravens are on the clock, but could have interest in Ameer Abdullah or Duke Johnson in the second round. Even though most analysts have expected Dorial Green-Bekham to be selected before the 26th overall pick, if he isnt, the Ravens could find themselves willing to trade back and get him early in the second.