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After several shrewd veteran signings in free agency, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has constructed the foundation for another contender. Baltimore will now enter the 2021 NFL draft requiring just a few specific pieces to overtake the elite clubs.
The obvious need is at edge defender, where the depth chart shows only three viable players at a position that relies on a heavy rotation and will likely carry at least five outside linebackers into the regular season. Another primary defensive need is the addition of a free safety that will allow more extensive use of dime personnel, a 50-percent reduction in dime defense last season contributed to the Ravens regression against tight ends. Depth needs on the defensive side of the ball include down lineman, if the front office plans to move on from Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell’s expiring contracts next offseason, and potentially a slot corner behind injury prone Tavon Young.
The main offensive needs are at wideout, where the addition of Sammy Watkins still leaves plenty of room to upgrade one of the least productive units in the league last season and offensive tackle where a capable backup is necessary even if Orlando Brown Jr. plays out his contract in Baltimore. Additionally, the club could further reinforce their interior blocking after signing Kevin Zeitler, and draft a vertical tight end to provide insurance against a Mark Andrews injury.
Below are three prospects that could realistically be available at each of Baltimore’s current draft slots. Please vote for your preferred options and explain your choices in the comments below.
Round 1: #27
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
A dominant power blocker with polished pass protection technique, Jenkins would be a natural fit at right tackle with the added bonus of 2021 guard capability.
Jayson Oweh, OLB, Penn State
Oweh, a freak athlete, has the skills to stuff the run and rack up pressures in coordinator Martindale’s deceptive scheme.
Terrace Marshall, WR, Louisiana State
Marshall provides all the measurables, production and contested catch ability to develop into an elusive true No. 1 receiver.
Poll
Best option at #27
This poll is closed
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33%
Teven Jenkins
(339 votes) -
34%
Jayson Oweh
(351 votes) -
32%
Terrace Marshall
(333 votes)
Round 2: #58
Joe Tryon, OLB, Washington
Tryon, a 2020 opt-out, packs a toolbox full of traits and could be coached-up into a valuable situational edge defender immediately.
Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana
A former starter at corner and safety, Johnson is an ascending prospect with plus instincts, ball skills, slot corner and high safety versatility.
Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
Brown is a vertical field stretcher with the speed, ball tracking and separation ability to provide splash plays from the ‘X’ receiver position.
Poll
Best option at #58
This poll is closed
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40%
Joe Tryon
(368 votes) -
21%
Jamar Johnson
(198 votes) -
37%
Dyami Brown
(343 votes)
Round 3: #104
Milton Williams, DL, Louisiana Tech
Williams, an explosive, heavy handed and productive down lineman, could pair with Justin Madubuike to provide Baltimore with the interior pressure they have lacked.
Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida
A strong and long pass protector who excels on down blocks, Forsythe profiles similarly to Orlando Brown Jr.
Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee
Palmer is a bit raw in his route running but offers intriguing potential due to impressive body control and high point ball skills.
Poll
Best option at #104
This poll is closed
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41%
Milton Williams
(351 votes) -
48%
Stone Forsythe
(406 votes) -
9%
Josh Palmer
(82 votes)
Round 4: #131
Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
Brown is an athletic and fiery blocker with the length to serve as a swing tackle while developing better technique.
Tyree Gillespie, S, Missouri
A physical hitter in run support with man coverage and single high experience, Gillespie would be an ideal addition to the dime package.
Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson
Powell, a late bloomer, would raise the floor of the receiver room with his smooth route running, yards after the catch and reliable hands.
Poll
Best option at #131
This poll is closed
-
27%
Spencer Brown
(203 votes) -
39%
Tyree Gillespie
(298 votes) -
33%
Cornell Powell
(247 votes)
Round 5: #171
Charles Snowden, OLB, Virginia
A former team captain and basketball player, Snowden’s coverage ability, quickness and twitch would be an asset to Martindale’s third down games.
Bobby Brown, DL, Texas A&M
Brown is a wide bodied, two-gapping run plugger who can collapse the pocket with his powerful bull rush.
Tamorrion Terry, WR, Florida State
With long speed and 6’4 height, Terry is a home run threat with the ball in his hands despite some unrefined characteristics.
Poll
Best option at #171
This poll is closed
-
41%
Charles Snowden
(295 votes) -
34%
Bobby Brown
(247 votes) -
23%
Tamorrion Terry
(164 votes)
Round 5: #184
Janarius Robinson, OLB, Florida State
Robinson boasts supreme length, bend and burst, offering high upside as a developmental pass rusher who can also set the edge.
Kenny Yeboah, TE, Mississippi
One of the better receiving tights ends this cycle, Yeboah was a highly productive collegian who can threaten the seams and generate yards after the catch.
Jonathan Marshall, DL, Arkansas
Marshall, a late-riser, was a team captain and projects as a penetrating 3-technique with first-step quickness.
Poll
Best option at #184
This poll is closed
-
27%
Janarius Robinson
(185 votes) -
59%
Kenny Yeboah
(397 votes) -
13%
Jonathan Marshall
(87 votes)
Round 6: #210
Quinton Bohanna, DT, Kentucky
One of the many hulking nose tackles in this class, Bohanna could eventually replace Brandon Williams as an early down block eater.
Kylen Granson, TE, Southern Methodist
Granson is an undersized playmaker with smooth athleticism and vertical ability who maximizes yards after the catch.
Trey Hill, C, Georgia
An experienced and heady pivot, Hill packs the mass to maul interior defenders and feet to reach the second level after combo blocks.
Poll
Best option at #210
This poll is closed
-
12%
Quinton Bohanna
(81 votes) -
3%
Kylen Granson
(26 votes) -
83%
Trey Hill
(554 votes)