Ravens News 3/8: Top 50 prospects, better FA WR options than expected and more

Top 50 prospects for 2018 NFL Draft 2.0 - Daniel Jeremiah

30. Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest

Bates is a tall, lean safety for the Demon Deacons. He has outstanding range, instincts and ball skills from the deep middle and he flashed the ability to match up in the slot. He’s a very fluid athlete and has plenty of makeup speed if he’s caught out of position. Against the run, he’s quick to key/read and fill the alley. He is a low, wrap/drag tackler and he does have some misses on tape. His lack of strength shows up at times. Overall, Bates is a very athletic middle-of-the-field defender and he has the versatility to cover in the slot. He should quickly emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

46. D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

Moore is a thick, muscled-up wideout with outstanding toughness, burst and savvy. He lines up both outside and in the slot for the Terrapins. He powers through press coverage and understands how to set up defenders before snapping off his route. He collects a lot of quick hitters in this offense, but he flashes the ability to work down the seam as well as over the top. He tracks the ball naturally. He can adjust and finish on poor throws. He’s at his best after the catch. Moore routinely breaks tackles, makes defenders miss or runs away from them. His competitiveness is off the charts. I won’t be surprised if Moore ends up being the best receiver in this draft class.

Neither Bates nor Moore were included in Jeremiah’s first version of the top 50 draft prospects. If drafted by the Ravens, Bates would serve as a true free safety, possibly providing the missing piece that would allow the team to field a truly elite defense. Moore continues to shine during the pre-draft process, and is receiving considerable buzz as the best receiver in the class. The Ravens should do everything in their power to accumulate multiple selections in the #25-#50 range of the upcoming draft.

With Allen Robinson not getting tagged, Ravens have more receiver options than expected - Jeff Zrebiec

If Robinson and Watkins hit the open market — and it’s still possible they sign with their current teams before other teams get a chance to make them offers — the Ravens figure to have a lot of competition for them. However, the more quality options available, the better chance the Ravens have of landing one.

This development could depress the trade value for Jarvis Landry, as well as the market value for Paul Richardson and the other second tier free agent wideouts. The Ravens still have a lot of work to do in order to free up the cap space it would require to sign any of the available young playmakers, but that surely beats the alternative of Robinson and Watkins being franchise tagged.

Ravens Draft Room: OT Mike McGlinchey or WR Calvin Ridley - Logan Levy

McGlinchey has the versatility to play both right and left tackle. Obviously, if he is selected by the Ravens, McGlinchey will play right tackle barring an injury to Ronnie Stanley. He is an athletic offensive linemen, who is excellent at the point of attack.

The downside with McGlinchey is his inconsistency. On tape, at times, he struggled mightily against NFL talent. Is he really worth the 16th overall pick?

Ridley could certainly come in and be a starter from day one. He is a talented receiver, whose speed and agility were on full display at the combine. Although, some believe Ridley did not have a strong combine due to poor performances in both the vertical and broad jump. However, it was very evident, he was the best receiver on the field at the combine.

Ridley struggled to catch the football at Alabama throughout his entire career. Not to mention, he also struggled to create separation, at times.

Logan poses an interesting hypothetical. A case can be made that both McGlinchey and Ridley have already maxed out their potential. Neither project as All-Pro caliber performers at the next level, mostly due to average athleticism. Furthermore, McGlinchey spent five years at Notre Dame and Ridley will turn 24 during the 2018 season. Judging from the poll attached to this article, most would prefer to trade back if these two prospects are the best available at #16.