Draft Roundtable: “My Guys”

With the 2021 NFL Draft quickly approaching, our staff plants their respective flags on their favorite prospects of the draft class.

OT Jalen Mayfield, Michigan: A seamless scheme fit in Baltimore that could slip into the second round because of this year’s loaded offensive tackle class. Mayfield is a mauler with impressive athleticism.

FS Andre Cisco, Syracuse: A natural free safety with a skillset the Ravens need behind and/or next to Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott. He can thrive in single-high coverage thanks to his range, ball skills and intangibles. Nabbed 13 interceptions in 24 collegiate games.

WR Kadarius Toney, Florida: One of the most electric playmakers in this draft class. Not the big body wideout many clamor the Ravens need, but would add another dimension to the offense with dynamic speed and YAC ability.

- Frank J. Platko

WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota: He is everything that the Ravens want and need in a No. 1 receiver with his inside/outside versatility, route running prowess and ability to make plays at every level of the field.

TE Hunter Long, Boston College: He is the most complete tight end prospect in the draft because he can threaten down the seam, be a consistent chain mover and blocks well in the run game.

OLB Zaven Collins, Tulsa: I’ve caught some flak for standing on this hill but I’m willing to die on it. He is exactly the kind of versatile defender that would be the ultimate front seven chess piece in Wink Martindale’s hybrid 3-4 scheme.

- Joshua Reed

WR Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State: Wallace is a well-rounded receiver, but he is particularly adept at making contested catches. He has great hands and plays with toughness. He could make an impact immediately for the Ravens.

DE Gregory Rousseau, Miami: After appearing to be a top-10 pick, some draft experts now have Rousseau falling out of the first round altogether. However, I’d argue Rousseau is, in fact, underrated. The former high school wide receiver had 15.5 sacks (second in the FBS) in his sophomore season at Miami. His Pro Day was still impressive, in my opinion; his wingspan was measured at 83”. He should continue to develop, and the sky is the limit.

LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa: Last season, Collins was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award as the Defensive Player of the Year, and for good reason, he was absolutely dominant at Tulsa. His combination of athleticism and instincts make him a valuable, versatile linebacker. He could be the BPA at 27.

- Jakob Ashlin

IOL/OT Alijah Vera-Tucker: Vera-Tucker, USC: A technically sound big-body lineman that can line up at tackle or guard and fill almost any hole in the Ravens offensive line this year.

EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia: Super athletic and explosive pass rusher with tons of raw talent. In a perfect system like Baltimore, Ojulari has potential to be a lethal weapon in this league.

WR Elijah Moore, Mississippi: The very talented Ole Miss receiver can hang onto any pass and displayed sharp route running this past season. Lamar Jackson needs a reliable pass catcher and Moore is just that.

- Jonas Evans

OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State: An outstanding right tackle with truly elite strength, vice grip hands and crafty pass protection technique (zero sacks allowed since 2018). Likely the best case scenario for Baltimore at pick # 27.

OLB Joe Tryon, Washington: Well rounded skillset to rush the quarterback with a variety of moves, set the edge against the run and drop into zone coverage. With development, Tryon has the athleticism and motor to become a feared sack artist and cornerstone defender.

S Richie Grant, UCF: Arguably the top prospect in a stellar safety class. Grant boasts excellent range for single-high duties, plays with physicality against the run and specializes in forcing takeaways (10 interceptions and seven forced fumbles in 33 starts).

- Vasilis Lericos

Identify “your guys” in the comments below.