With the NFL draft quickly approaching Ravens managing editor Adrian Andrew presents the first Ravens mock draft at FPC.
This mock draft was made using Fanspeak’s On The Clock simulation. It is also not the most probable but rather what moves made sense with the players available at the time of selection.
More mock drafts will be released as the draft comes closer and the Raven’s offseasons moves unfold.
First Round, Pick 16: CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
This will come as a shocker to many readers but a breakdown of it proves it is not that far-fetched. The truth to this move is that there is a plethora of wide receiver in the later rounds, and Clavin Ridley may not even be available at the 16th pick.
So, the team could devote the first round to grab possibly the best cornerback in the class and pick a wide receiver soon after. Besides this move should be welcome as adding Jackson would help ease the load of aging and often hurt Jimmy Smith as well as make room for cutting Brandon Carr.
In all, drafting Jackson would add depth for the Ravens while also filling question marks at the cornerback position going into 2018.
Second Round, Pick 20: WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
If the Ravens do not a wide receiver in the first round and Christian Kirk is available I think there is almost no way that the Ravens let him pass. Kirk is a great punt returner who also can actually catch the football. This selection would also help end the Raven’s deficiencies at the wide receiver position.
Note: If D.J Moore would have been available at this pick I would have chosen Moore over Kirk.
Third Round, Pick 19: TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
Hayden Hurst has been called by many NFL analysts ” the best tight end in the 2018 draft class.” With that in mind and the Ravens lack of formidable tight ends combined with him possibly falling to the third round, this would be a match made in heaven.
Hurst can block effectively, line up almost anywhere, and be a huge receiving threat. So basically Hurst can do everything the Ravens tight ends cannot, making him a great third-round pick.
Fourth Round, Pick 18: WR D.J Chark, LSU
I want to start this out by saying that I highly doubt that Chark will fall to the fourth round. But if this were to happen, then the Ravens should totally pursue him. The reason behind this is that the Ravens love, fast wide receivers who are also deep threats. But their problem with these types of wide receivers is that they draft guys who cannot catch well.
So this is the reason I made this pick. Chark ran one of the fastest combines and is also a huge deep threat but has had minimal problems with drops and has reliable hands catching the football. Selecting Chark would be a great move for the Ravens because of all of these factors.
Fifth Round, Pick 17: LB Skai Moore, South Carolina
With linebacker being a slight problem for the Ravens going into the 2018 season don’t be surprised if the Ravens pick one. In this particular mock draft, it made more sense to wait for a later round linebacker.
With that in mind, I chose Skai Moore in the fifth round mainly because of his speed and agility. Moore also has a great football IQ and could progress into an impressive NFL talent. But the motive behind this move was more so seeing Moore as a backup while also complimenting aging Terrell Suggs.
Sixth Round, Pick 16: S Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern
Igwebuike had an amazing combine placing in the top ten of all combine drills among safeties. Igwebuike showcased his great agility by almost setting a record time for the 60 yard shuttle running it in 10.81 seconds.
If available in the sixth Igwebuike would provide depth for the Ravens at the safety position and could prosper into a great defender for the team.
Sixth Round, Pick 41: OT Jambil Demby, Maine
Demby had an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl as well as the combine. Demby has a great burst into a block that can wipe out a defender. Drafting Demby late in the draft would provide depth while also bringing in a player who could progress into a good player.
Seventh Round, Pick 20: RB Ryan Nall, Oregon State
Nall had a decent showing at the combine and is known for being a good check-down target out of the backfield. Drafting Nall could be a replacement of Dammy Woodhead and give Flacco another passing option.
–Adrian Andrew is the Managing Editor of Full Press Coverage Ravens. Feel free to continue the discussion with him on his Twitter Page, and make sure to follow us on Twitter @FPC_Ravens and like our page on Facebook!
