Ravens News 2/26: Early extension discussions and more

Baltimore Ravens’ Eric DeCosta talks at NFL combine: What to make of the GM’s words in Indy - Aaron Kasinitz

It sounds like DeCosta wants to add to the receiving corps but doesn’t feel an urge to do it in the first round

“There’s a lot of volume at the position [and] some really talented guys, obviously, the guys at the top,” DeCosta said, “but also as you look at the second and third rounds you’ll see some guys that have a chance to impact teams very quickly.”

DeCosta wants to make clear he’s not forgetting about the pass rush

“If our offense continues to play at the level they played at this past year, we will probably be ahead in some games, and we’ll want to have a strong pass rush,” DeCosta said.

“We’re trying to find guys that can get after the quarterback,” DeCosta said. “Positionally, we’re not as caught up with that [as with] the actual skillset of being able to rush the passer and create some pressure and some havoc.”

Contract Extensions for Stanley, Humphrey Being Discussed - John Eisenberg

Asked about Stanley at the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday, DeCosta said, “We’ve talked quite a bit, we’ll meet again this week. Love Ronnie, played his butt off this year, All-Pro left tackle. Excited about that, excited about his future, excited about the player and excited about the person. We’ll try to continue to have those dialogues as well.”

“We’ve also talked to Marlon Humphrey a little bit, (his agent) Joel Segal, great agent. We want to try and keep our elite young players. We think Ronnie and Marlon and are two of those guys,” DeCosta said.

Stanley and Humphrey are more than just other examples of the kind of player the Ravens want to retain. They’re key building blocks.

Nine instant impact receivers who won’t cost a first-round pick - Steve Smith Sr.

Van Jefferson, Florida: I believe he was the odd man out at Ole Miss, likely in the shadows of D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown. After transferring to Florida, the 6-3, 215-pound receiver led the Gators in receiving in consecutive seasons. His effectiveness is evident on film, as Jefferson just makes plays with every chance he gets. If he plays like that at the next level, the team that drafts him should be very happy with the results.

Denzel Mims, Baylor: The 6-3, 206-pound wideout is a big target who plays with a lot of physicality. It’s hard to know what his game speed is because Mims often out-muscled his opponents in college. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the NFL is full of grown men who are just as strong if not stronger than Mims. Expect the young man’s 40 to be under the microscope in Indy.

NFL combine 2020 results: Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas shine as offensive linemen weigh in - Chris Trapasso

Guard/center winners

Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU. There are some agility issues with Cushenberry’s game, but teams will absolutely love the length he brings at the center position. He truly has offensive tackle type reach in a more squatty frame.

Cordel Iwuagwu, TCU. Iwuagwu played guard in 2019 but is probably best suited for center, where his springy athleticism would better be utilized. Weighing in close to 310 pounds with a massive 81-inch wingspan was a great development for him.

Nick Harris, Washington. A multi-year starter with solid film thanks to sound fundamentals and outstanding athleticism, the only true concerns about Harris centered around lack of power and length. After weighing in under 300 pounds at the Senior Bowl, he eclipsed that mark at the combine and measured in with respectable arm length of over 32 inches.

Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin. While his 2019 film isn’t as spectacular as it was in 2018, Biadasz is still one of the most athletic prospects in this interior offensive line class, and now he’s one of the most physically impressive at over 6-3 and 314 pounds with a wingspan just under 80 inches.

Damien Lewis, LSU. The team that picks Lewis will be doing so for his ability to overpower defensive linemen in tight spaces. At 6-2 and 327 pounds with long arms for the position, he checked in with a true masher body type.