Ravens 2019 Draft: Day 2 instant reactions

Baltimore Beatdown staff’s instant reactions to the Ravens 2019 Draft Day 2 selections:

Jaylon Ferguson, Edge, Louisiana Tach

Edge rusher was a major need for the Ravens in this draft after losing Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith in free agency. Ferguson fills this need as highly productive, technically advanced, collegiate pass rusher with the ability to set the edge in run defense. However, his ceiling is quite limited due to below average athleticism. The front office may have been better served to trade up for a prospect with more upside instead of hoarding middle round picks. - Vasilis Lericos

Jaylon Ferguson is the NCAA all time sack leader. He showed up big time against top tier competition. He presents immediate upgrades in defending the run (particularly in the red zone) and pass rush. He has versatility to play 3-tech, 5-tech, or OLB. His agility score was concerning, but he plays like a man possessed. Ferguson’s heavy hands and pass rushing arsenal make him an early contributor. His body is not fully developed, and strength training in the Ravens rigorous program will do wonders for him a la Orlando Brown Jr. Ferguson is a solid and rangy tackler, but needs some development to really takeoff. Ferguson will excel in the Ravens scheme. - Spencer Schultz

Many thought Jaylon Ferguson would be off the board in the second round, but he ended up falling to the Ravens at #85. Ferguson’s exact fit as either an outside linebacker or defensive end is spotty but one thing is for sure: this dude can flat out get to the quarterback. Ferguson wreaked havoc at Lousiana Tech and his pass-rushing acumen, which the Ravens have shown to value in the past, will be much-needed after losing Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs. - Frank J. Platko

The Ravens addressed another big need on Day 2 of the draft with defensive end Jaylon Ferguson. Ferguson has the potential to make an immediate impact. Baltimore loves to take productive college edge rushers and Ferguson is exactly that with an FBS record of 45 career sacks (which beat Terrell Suggs record). Hopefully Ferguson will translate well to the pros and help fill the void left by Suggs and Za’Darius Smith on the edge. - Dustin Cox

Who better to draft than the man who broke Terrell Suggs’ NCAA D1 sack record. Not only did they go best player available, they did so while addressing a need. Now, there’s a bunch of young potential at outside linebacker, something everybody is hoping turns into production, soon. - Kyle P. Barber

Miles Boykin, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Eric DeCosta decided to trade up for a prospect with great upside with this selection. Boykin is the prototypical ‘X’ or split end receiver with the size, speed and length to develop into a number one option. While inconsistent and a bit raw as a route runner, the Notre Dame product has strong hands and a large catch radius. In Boykin, Baltimore has rounded out their new, young receiving corps with an ideal complement to Marquise Brown. - Vasilis Lericos

Miles Boykin tested in the 99th percentile athletically at the NFL combine according to his RAS score (size, speed and agility combined). He presents matchup problems. His size and speed, in addition to the ability to cleanly separate at the top of routes, create throwing lanes. His massive frame allows him to wall off defenders and he has great body control to work the sideline. Miles suffered from poor QB play, but still produced. He’s also arguably the meanest blocker in this receiver class. Boykin’s countless pancakes display his intensity and willingness to get dirty. The Ravens traded up and disposed of two picks to acquire him. In Eric I trust. - Spencer Schultz

Eric DeCosta doubles up on wide receiver with Myles Boykin from Notre Dame. Boykin is a huge target for quarterback Lamar Jackson at 6’4 220. Boykin ran a blazing 4.42 40-yard dash, which is jaw dropping for someone of his size. He is a solid route runner with strong hands and isn’t afraid to block in the run game either. DeCosta is making sure to surround Jackson with talent. - Dustin Cox

Many thought the Ravens would double dip at the receiver position and that’s exactly what materialized. Miles Boykin is a great pick at #93 and acquiring extra picks made it possible for DeCosta to trade up for him. Boykin possesses a great combination of size and speed, which is how he overcame underwhelming quarterback play at Notre Dame. There were other WR options available here, such as Hakeem Butler, but Boykin is simply a good player. No complaints here. - Frank J. Platko

Eric DeCosta wasn’t kidding when he said the team needs to take more swings at wide receiver. Training camp this season will be fun for the fans as each pass thrown will have roster implications. If you’re Jordan Lasley or Jaleel Scott, you better get some extra work done in the summer or you could find yourself on the way out in a hurry. I don’t think the front office would go out and draft two more wide receivers if they were okay with both not seeing the field last season.

More importantly, it’s great to see the front office surround their quarterback with potential. Lamar is loaded to the gills with pass-catchers and ball-carriers. Look for this offense to strike early and often. - Kyle P. Barber