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Now that everybody has decided to either enter the draft or return to school, the list of available prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft is crystal clear. The Ravens can be expected to add help in the secondary and in the pass rush department. The prospects are listed in order of preference, judging based on film watched on draftbreakdown.com. Pass rushing prospects will not include Myles Garrett since he will be chosen in the top three overall.
Cornerback
- Sidney Jones
- Marshon Lattimore
- Quincy Wilson
- Tre'Davious White
- Teez Tabor
Jones' ball skills take him to the top of the list. His lack of brute upper body strength may turn some off but he is a technician with a lot of production and enough speed to excel. Lattimore's footwork in press and his natural athleticism will place him high on NFL draft boards. Quincy Wilson is the most physical cornerback in the class. He will remind Ravens fans of their own Jimmy Smith. White offers versatility, length, fluid hips, quick feet and spatial awareness in zone coverage, despite lacking prototypical size. Teez Tabor is a classic case of an athletic gambler with ball skills. Sometimes he wins, sometimes he loses. He will need refinement in his technique and his eye-discipline.
EDGE
- Carl Lawson
- Tim Williams
- Takkarist McKinley
- Taco Charlton
- Derek Barnett
Lawson is a complete prospect, despite the fact he is not a Von Miller-esque burner around the corner. The refinement of his hand technique and the efficiency in his movements are sublime. Williams' ability to flatten at the top of his rush is superb. His hands are also excellent, though they are not as violent as Lawson's. Williams shows great hand placement, consistently finding the breastplate of opposing tackles. McKinley is the athletic freak of the bunch. His body was tailor made to be a pass rusher, as he boasts terrifyingly long arms and outstanding natural athleticism, with long strides that cover a lot of ground. He has yet to put it all together though, as counter moves are non-existent in his game.
Charlton is a flexible, bigger guy that can turn tight corners from the 7-technique. He should have enough athleticism to stand up. Consistency is an issue though, as he can disappear from games, finds himself on the ground and is too often the last man off the line. Barnett has the hottest motor of anyone in the class. His snap anticipation is also very good. But as is often the case with high motor players, he lacks the athleticism to bend the edge while having a tackle on his hip. I would not be surprised if Washington's Joe Mathis ranks higher than Derek Barnett post-combine.