Welcome to the 2017 NFL offseason. After New England’s improbable comeback victory in Super Bowl LI, the 2016 season has officially concluded. NFL nation now turns their full attention to the 2017 NFL Draft .
Baltimore is in a unique position this offseason, with several positional needs on both sides of the ball. Their ‘best player available’ strategy should pay dividends in the first round. More than anything else, the Ravens need to add more playmakers to their roster that will help them win games late in the fourth quarter. It does not particularly matter which position they target first, as long as that player makes a significant impact in the passing game on one side of the ball.
In the first week of February, who are the pundits expecting the Ravens to choose at #16 overall?
Quincy Wilson , Florida, Cornerback
With [Tim] Williams coming off the board a pick before them, the Ravens could turn to the secondary. Wilson is a player that can line up at either cornerback or safety. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan, Safety With...Eric Weddle poised to enter his 11th NFL season, the Ravens may very well be looking for help in the secondary in the 2017 draft. Peppers starred as a linebacker in 2016 but possesses the agility and speed to handle coverage, as well. Derek Barnett, Tennessee, Defensive End ...The Ravens need to bring in some youthful players on the defensive side of the ball, and they should use the NFL Draft to do just that...Derek Barnett had a standout career as a member of the Tennessee Volunteers, where he set the school’s career sack record...Barnett is as explosive off the edge as any player in this draft, and the Ravens need someone who can fill that role within their defense. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama, Cornerback ...The next-biggest need for this team comes at cornerback. Newsome can tap back into his roots at the University of Alabama to find a tall, long, fast cover man I believe he'll fall for. Dalvin Cook, FSU, Running Back ...This could be the year that changes if Ozzie Newsome looks to address the 28th ranked ground attack with the selection of an elite talent like Dalvin Cook. A guy that can do it all Takkarist McKinley, UCLA, Outside Linebacker McKinley burst onto the scene last year with a ultra-productive season as a pass rusher. He's relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback and still has room for more growth as a player. Sidney Jones, Washington, Cornerback Jones is the sort of wiry-but-technically-strong corner the Ravens covet. Quincy Wilson, Florida, Cornerback ...Wilson has above-average speed to go along with his size...Sources also feel Wilson has above-average feel and awareness. He is good at running the route to prevent separation with the size to take on big receivers. Wilson is a longer press-man corner for the NFL with ball skills, but scouting sources say that there are aspects that Wilson needs to improve. He grabs at receivers a lot and could get called for pass interference penalties in the NFL. Thus, he will need some development. Cam Robinson, Alabama, Offensive Tackle ...This would make for two consecutive first-round picks on offensive tackles, but the position will need to be addressed if Ricky Wagner leaves via free agency, as expected. The Baltimore Sun reported that the Ravens aren't likely to re-sign Wagner, so this is a logical replacement. Cam Robinson has battled some off-the-field issues, and there are mixed opinions about him amongst scouts and decision-makers. However, he's talented, and he's a bargain at No. 16 overall. Carl Lawson, Auburn, Edge Defender Lawson just looks like a Baltimore Raven, but injury concerns could drop him down the board a peg or too. Terrell Suggs Elvis Dumervil Takkarist McKinley, UCLA, Edge Defender The Ravens need to inject youth at their edge spots. Kamalei Correa Corey Davis, Western Michigan, Wide Receiver ...Davis is a precise route runner who is physical and fast. He's been my draft crush all year and worthy of top-10 consideration. A minor ankle procedure will cause him to miss pre-draft workouts, but it shouldn't affect his draft status. Derek Barnett, Tennessee, Edge Defender
...Barnett has a great form and can use his body to work through the line and make his way to the QB. His eye-hand coordination working together is great. The way he can use his lower body strength proves ideal for tackling or just keeping leverage on the line or a pile. He might not have the burst you would want to see from him just yet, but he does have the strength, technique, and quickness to be a great asset...
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