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Let the speculation begin. Based on their 8-8 record, the Baltimore Ravens will have the 16th draft slot in the first round.
The 2017 draft class will feature perhaps the best group of cornerbacks and safeties ever assembled. The pass rusher crop is a bit top heavy, with several elite prospects but not as much overall depth as 2016. It appears to be one of the stronger groups of interior offensive lineman, yet thin at offensive tackle. The receiver class looks average, with a few potential number one receivers.
Who are the pundits predicting the Ravens will draft in the first round?
- Dan Kadar/SB Nation
Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
“Terrell Suggs’ career is winding to a close, and fellow pass rusher Elvis Dumervil could be a salary cap casualty. McKinley is a talented player who would fit because he can play standing up or with his hand down.”
- Matt Miller/Bleacher Report
Takkarist McKinley, Edge, UCLA
“A big, powerful edge-rusher with the talent to play down as a 4-3 defensive end or up as a 3-4 outside linebacker? Sounds perfect for Baltimore.”
- Dane Brugler/CBS Sports
Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU
“The Ravens have a stable of average backs, which is one of the reasons they rank near bottom of the league in rushing. Cook would help change that.”
- Rob Rang/CBS Sports
Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
“The Ravens could be looking for a new right side of the offensive line in 2017 with guard Vladimir Ducasse and tackle Rick Wagner each pending free agents. A former five-star recruit, Robinson has starred the past three years at left tackle for the Tide, earning the Outland Trophy this season as the best blocker in college football.”
- Steve Palazzolo/Pro Football Focus
Charles Harris, Edge, Missouri
“It’s a good draft for Baltimore to replenish their pass rush and Harris is one of the best options available. He has strong hands and an effective spin move to keep blockers off balance. Even in a scheme that hasn’t always played to his strengths, Harris has an 87.9 pass rush grade that ranks seventh among edge rushers after ranking ninth in the nation a year ago. Like some of the other top edge rushers, there is still some improving to be done against the run, but he’s at least been competent in that department.”
Adoree Jackson, Corner, USC
“Largely a rebuttal against the trend toward taller DBs, the corners filling the depth chart of Baltimore's 10th-ranked passing defense stand an average of 5'11.5"- making the team a natural home for a dynamic playmaker whose main knock is his size. Adoree Jackson is an elite athlete who saw his ballhawking skills develop in 2016. The Trojan hauled in 4 interceptions this season, which surpasses any output from a Ravens' corner since 2012. Moreover, the NCAA's 3rd-leading punt returner would greatly improve Baltimore's position as 23rd in the league. With deep recent draft classes, Baltimore is looking for impact players. "Impact" is an apt description for a prospect that accumulated 15 TDs in his career despite primarily being known as a defensive player. “
- Walter Cherepinsky/Walter Football
Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri
“The Ravens struggled to get pressure on the quarterback most of the year. A part of the problem is that Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs will be 33 and 34, respectively, by the 2017 NFL Draft. Some young blood will be needed on the edge.”
- Charlie Campbell/Walter Football
Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC
“The Ravens grab a feature corner for their defense and an upgrade across from Jimmy Smith. Jackson has 51 tackles with 11 passes broken up and four interceptions on the season. He also has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, returned two punts for touchdowns, and made a 52-yard touchdown catch. Jackson had an awesome game against Alabama as he shut down star wide receiver Calvin Ridley. He held Ridley to only two receptions for nine yards on the night. Jackson has given the NFL proof that he is a serious cover corner prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft. “
John Ross, WR, Washington
“Ross has been compared to DeSean Jackson, and with the strong arm of Joe Flacco, should help the Ravens finally start beating teams downfield.”
- Chris Burke/Sports Illustrated
Carl Lawson, DE/OLB, Auburn
“The Ravens added some youth to their pass-rushing equation last draft (rookie Matt Judon). They won’t stop stockpiling, especially if a talent like Lawson is there for the taking. He has battled injuries and up-and-down play, but his flashes of dominance make him look like a top-five prospect.”