Mel Kiper mock draft 2016: Kiper's first mock draft has the Ravens selecting a lineman

The regular season is over and the offseason bares down on us, which means that it's the time for mock drafts! We just released our first one, picking cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III at the sixth spot. Mel Kiper has the Ravens going in a different direction with their first round pick, a tackle

6. Baltimore Ravens

*Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

In another year Stanley would be worthy to be the first offensive tackle taken, but Tunsil gets the nod in this class. Stanley was a gifted but inconsistent player last year, and he decided to go back, which is going to work out well for him. This year, the talent is still obvious, but he was better technically and it showed. Baltimore can't pass on a potential left tackle with Stanley's upside here given the state of the O-line, not to mention with Joe Flacco coming back from an injury.

Stanley is a great pick here, if not a little underwhelming for those fans that want a top flight corner, pass rusher, or wide receiver in the first round. Mel Kiper uses Joe Flacco's injury as the catalyst for picking a tackle, which is an obvious reason, but the Ravens aren't sure if they will ever have a Eugene Monroe that can stay healthy for a full season and Kelechi Osemele looks like he's headed for the free agent market to get paid big money.

The Ravens need to be able to run the ball and keep Flacco upright in the coming seasons if they want to have a shot at the Super Bowl. Stanley is the player that can best impact both of those. Players like wide receiver Laquan Treadwell, cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, and Myles Jack are still on the board at this spot, giving the Ravens some options in case someone wants to move up. It'll be an interesting draft for sure.

Who would you pick in this spot if you had those options?