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Baltimore Ravens Draft Report
Top needs coming into draft:
Wide receiver: The Ravens lost a pair of sure-handed receivers when Steve Smith Sr. retired and Kamar Aiken signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Baltimore was not able to fill that void in free agency, so the team needs to find a playmaker in this year's draft.
Offensive Line: Starting guard Vlad Ducasse signed with Buffalo, OT Rick Wagner signed with Detroit and C Jeremy Zuttah was traded away leaving the Ravens with holes to fill on the OL.
Outside linebacker: The Ravens cut ties with Elvis Dumervil following the season and they need to find a replacement in the draft. Several linebackers drafted over the past few years have not shown they can be an effective pass rusher and the heir to Terrell Suggs, who is age 34
Running Back: Baltimore has several middling running back options but nobody capable of carrying the load.
RD. 1. #16 Corey Davis WR, Western Michigan
Davis has ideal height-weight-play speed for the position. He lines up inside and outside, and he's a very polished and precise route runner. He powers through press coverage and does a nice job of changing speeds and creating separation down the field. He attacks the football in the air with very strong hands and he's nifty after the catch. He doesn't have elite speed but he's plenty fast. Overall, Davis is an excellent player with both a high floor and a high ceiling.
Baltimore traded their #47 pick to Detroit for #53, #165 and #215
Rd. 2. #53 Carl Lawson DE Auburn
Speaking of pass-rushers who are toeing the line between the first and second rounds, Auburn's Carl Lawson is another player who is flying under the radar.
CBS Sports ranks Lawson as its No. 39 overall prospect, putting him just out of reach of Round 1. But depending on teams' rankings and preferences, Lawson could hear his name called on Day 1.
Lawson has the talent to be a first-round lock, but teams may be concerned about the torn ACL he suffered that caused him to miss the Tigers' entire 2014 season. However, Lawson started to get his footing back in 2015, playing seven games with three tackles for loss, a sack and 11 quarterback hurries, and really got things going in 2016.
Last season, Lawson played 13 games and amassed 13.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 24 hurries and a forced fumble, terrorizing SEC quarterbacks the whole way. His flexibility could make him attractive to a number of teams looking to beef up their pass rush in the first round.
RD. 3. #78 Taylor Moton OL Western Michigan
Taylor Moton has been a starter at Western Michigan since his redshirt freshman year. The big offensive lineman has spent most of his snaps playing right tackle for the Broncos but spent a season playing RG as well. One of the reasons Moton projects to go as high as the first round (according to who you ask) is his versatility. Moton got a chance to go down to Mobile earlier on the month for the Senior Bowl. He was very good at right tackle but word is he was dominant at the guard position there. There is no doubt there will be some teams that see his value more at OT than OG and vice versa but for Moton, it’s a good thing especially in an overall weak OL class.
Moton looks the part of an NFL tackle. He is well built all around and his length and strength show up on tape. The raw physical skills are there but Moton needs a lot of work with his technique and fundamentals. With the praise he received at the Senior Bowl he may have already started working on those issues. If he continues to build upon his Senior Bowl performance at the Combine next month he could be a big riser.
Rd. 3. #99 Ethan Pocic OL LSU
Played tackle, guard and center at LSU. Moves well to the second level. Shows good balance on tape and athletic ability when pulling. High football IQ and work ethic. Fantastic at recognizing blitzes. Strong in pass protection and in the run game. Good knee bend and flexibility despite his high. Finesse blocker who makes things look effortless on film.
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Rd. 4. #122 Duke Riley LB LSU
Former LSU linebacker Duke Riley is receiving high praise leading up to the 2017 NFL draft.
According to NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, scouts have anticipated big things from LSU linebackers based on the recent success of fellow former Tigers Kwon Alexander and Deion Jones. While Kendell Beckwith was the name many expected to generate draft buzz in the fall, Riley has since grabbed scouts’ attention after a strong combine performance.
The senior, who led LSU with 93 tackles, led all linebackers in the 40-yard dash (4.58 seconds), three-cone drill (6.89) and 20-yard shuttle (4.21). He also recorded a 34.5-inch vertical jump, 122-inch broad jump and 18 reps on the bench press.
According to Brooks, scouts have been impressed with Riley’s “impressive instincts and athleticism,” as well as being a “consistent tackler with strong wrap-up skills.”
“Looking ahead to draft day,” Brooks writes, “I believe Riley grades as a bottom-of-the-second-round player (eventual starter with the potential to crack the lineup by Year 2), but I could see him going at any point on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) to a team looking for a potential starter with special-teams ability. Considering how Alexander and Jones were also viewed in that light before emerging as difference makers on their respective teams, scouts would be wise to keep tabs on Riley during the process.”
RD. 5. #159 Vincent Taylor DT Oklahoma ST.
Plays with exciting power and quickness. A pocket collapser that consistently finds a way to make the QB uncomfortable.
Wins with his strength and active hands. Commands double teams at times and can still get home at the right angle.
Takes advantage of inside gap on blockers led to his outstanding sack and TFL totals this year.
Never stagnant and works hard virtually ever rep. Excellent motor.
RD. 5 #165 Tyler Orlosky OL West Virginia
West Virgina,s Tyler Orlosky is a solid prospect that can easily win a starting spot early in his rookie season.
Tyler is an experienced and highly effective center prospect. He was the leader of West Virginia’s offensive line showing the ability to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Orlosky has the makings of a long-term NFL starter.
His ability to snap and step in one motion allows him to quickly get into proper position. He does a great job of gaining inside hands and Velcroing to his target. Orlosky has heavy hands which makes it difficult for the defender to disengage and allows him to control the action.
His hand placement and quickness out of his stance also allows him to seal the defender from the play. He has a knack for using proper angles and getting his body between the defender and ball carrier.
RD. 6. #186 Corey Clement RB Wisconsin
From a production standpoint, there’s a lot to like about the 2016 season with Corey Clement. Despite the injury in 2015, I still think he has the ability to have a long career at the next level. Clearly, he has to improve on his ball security and blitz pick-up but I think with the proper coaching, that can happen.
Throughout his career, he played in 43 games with 15 career starts (13 starts in 2016). Received First-Team Big Ten honors (coaches) & Second-Team Big Ten honors (media) for 2016. Beyond just game experience and awards, there’s a lot to like about Corey Clement. His running style is similar to Carlos Hyde’s but so is his size (5’11 – 225 lbs). He’s a one cut and up type of back with his ability to shed tackles and constant fall forward to gain extra yardage. Being an instinctive runner with patience is key in the NFL and I think he carries those traits.
My overall perception is that Corey Clement can be one of the top backs in the 2017 NFL Draft. Personally, he’s my 5th ranked running back in the position rankings and he should hear his name get called in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
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RD. 7. #215 Carroll Phillips LB Illinois
Explosive college defensive end who projects to outside linebacker on Sundays. Athletic, plays with great pad level and displays speed moving in every direction. Easily collapses down the line of scrimmage or out to the flanks and catches ball carriers in backside pursuit. Displays good change of direction and the ability to immediately alter his angle of attack and redirect to ball handlers. Covers a lot of area on the field. Performed brilliantly during Senior Bowl practices.
Entering the season Phillips was graded as a camp body by scouts, but his draft stock has been on a straight shot north since September. He’s athletic, explosive and showed the ability to handle 3-4 outside linebacker duties
Top needs coming into draft:
Wide receiver: The Ravens lost a pair of sure-handed receivers when Steve Smith Sr. retired and Kamar Aiken signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Baltimore was not able to fill that void in free agency, so the team needs to find a playmaker in this year's draft.
Offensive Line: Starting guard Vlad Ducasse signed with Buffalo, OT Rick Wagner signed with Detroit and C Jeremy Zuttah was traded away leaving the Ravens with holes to fill on the OL.
Outside linebacker: The Ravens cut ties with Elvis Dumervil following the season and they need to find a replacement in the draft. Several linebackers drafted over the past few years have not shown they can be an effective pass rusher and the heir to Terrell Suggs, who is age 34
Running Back: Baltimore has several middling running back options but nobody capable of carrying the load.
RD. 1. #16 Corey Davis WR, Western Michigan
Davis has ideal height-weight-play speed for the position. He lines up inside and outside, and he's a very polished and precise route runner. He powers through press coverage and does a nice job of changing speeds and creating separation down the field. He attacks the football in the air with very strong hands and he's nifty after the catch. He doesn't have elite speed but he's plenty fast. Overall, Davis is an excellent player with both a high floor and a high ceiling.
Baltimore traded their #47 pick to Detroit for #53, #165 and #215
Rd. 2. #53 Carl Lawson DE Auburn
Speaking of pass-rushers who are toeing the line between the first and second rounds, Auburn's Carl Lawson is another player who is flying under the radar.
CBS Sports ranks Lawson as its No. 39 overall prospect, putting him just out of reach of Round 1. But depending on teams' rankings and preferences, Lawson could hear his name called on Day 1.
Lawson has the talent to be a first-round lock, but teams may be concerned about the torn ACL he suffered that caused him to miss the Tigers' entire 2014 season. However, Lawson started to get his footing back in 2015, playing seven games with three tackles for loss, a sack and 11 quarterback hurries, and really got things going in 2016.
Last season, Lawson played 13 games and amassed 13.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 24 hurries and a forced fumble, terrorizing SEC quarterbacks the whole way. His flexibility could make him attractive to a number of teams looking to beef up their pass rush in the first round.
RD. 3. #78 Taylor Moton OL Western Michigan
Taylor Moton has been a starter at Western Michigan since his redshirt freshman year. The big offensive lineman has spent most of his snaps playing right tackle for the Broncos but spent a season playing RG as well. One of the reasons Moton projects to go as high as the first round (according to who you ask) is his versatility. Moton got a chance to go down to Mobile earlier on the month for the Senior Bowl. He was very good at right tackle but word is he was dominant at the guard position there. There is no doubt there will be some teams that see his value more at OT than OG and vice versa but for Moton, it’s a good thing especially in an overall weak OL class.
Moton looks the part of an NFL tackle. He is well built all around and his length and strength show up on tape. The raw physical skills are there but Moton needs a lot of work with his technique and fundamentals. With the praise he received at the Senior Bowl he may have already started working on those issues. If he continues to build upon his Senior Bowl performance at the Combine next month he could be a big riser.
Rd. 3. #99 Ethan Pocic OL LSU
Played tackle, guard and center at LSU. Moves well to the second level. Shows good balance on tape and athletic ability when pulling. High football IQ and work ethic. Fantastic at recognizing blitzes. Strong in pass protection and in the run game. Good knee bend and flexibility despite his high. Finesse blocker who makes things look effortless on film.
Rd. 4. #122 Duke Riley LB LSU
Former LSU linebacker Duke Riley is receiving high praise leading up to the 2017 NFL draft.
According to NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, scouts have anticipated big things from LSU linebackers based on the recent success of fellow former Tigers Kwon Alexander and Deion Jones. While Kendell Beckwith was the name many expected to generate draft buzz in the fall, Riley has since grabbed scouts’ attention after a strong combine performance.
The senior, who led LSU with 93 tackles, led all linebackers in the 40-yard dash (4.58 seconds), three-cone drill (6.89) and 20-yard shuttle (4.21). He also recorded a 34.5-inch vertical jump, 122-inch broad jump and 18 reps on the bench press.
According to Brooks, scouts have been impressed with Riley’s “impressive instincts and athleticism,” as well as being a “consistent tackler with strong wrap-up skills.”
“Looking ahead to draft day,” Brooks writes, “I believe Riley grades as a bottom-of-the-second-round player (eventual starter with the potential to crack the lineup by Year 2), but I could see him going at any point on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) to a team looking for a potential starter with special-teams ability. Considering how Alexander and Jones were also viewed in that light before emerging as difference makers on their respective teams, scouts would be wise to keep tabs on Riley during the process.”
RD. 5. #159 Vincent Taylor DT Oklahoma ST.
Plays with exciting power and quickness. A pocket collapser that consistently finds a way to make the QB uncomfortable.
Wins with his strength and active hands. Commands double teams at times and can still get home at the right angle.
Takes advantage of inside gap on blockers led to his outstanding sack and TFL totals this year.
Never stagnant and works hard virtually ever rep. Excellent motor.
RD. 5 #165 Tyler Orlosky OL West Virginia
West Virgina,s Tyler Orlosky is a solid prospect that can easily win a starting spot early in his rookie season.
Tyler is an experienced and highly effective center prospect. He was the leader of West Virginia’s offensive line showing the ability to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Orlosky has the makings of a long-term NFL starter.
His ability to snap and step in one motion allows him to quickly get into proper position. He does a great job of gaining inside hands and Velcroing to his target. Orlosky has heavy hands which makes it difficult for the defender to disengage and allows him to control the action.
His hand placement and quickness out of his stance also allows him to seal the defender from the play. He has a knack for using proper angles and getting his body between the defender and ball carrier.
RD. 6. #186 Corey Clement RB Wisconsin
From a production standpoint, there’s a lot to like about the 2016 season with Corey Clement. Despite the injury in 2015, I still think he has the ability to have a long career at the next level. Clearly, he has to improve on his ball security and blitz pick-up but I think with the proper coaching, that can happen.
Throughout his career, he played in 43 games with 15 career starts (13 starts in 2016). Received First-Team Big Ten honors (coaches) & Second-Team Big Ten honors (media) for 2016. Beyond just game experience and awards, there’s a lot to like about Corey Clement. His running style is similar to Carlos Hyde’s but so is his size (5’11 – 225 lbs). He’s a one cut and up type of back with his ability to shed tackles and constant fall forward to gain extra yardage. Being an instinctive runner with patience is key in the NFL and I think he carries those traits.
My overall perception is that Corey Clement can be one of the top backs in the 2017 NFL Draft. Personally, he’s my 5th ranked running back in the position rankings and he should hear his name get called in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
RD. 7. #215 Carroll Phillips LB Illinois
Explosive college defensive end who projects to outside linebacker on Sundays. Athletic, plays with great pad level and displays speed moving in every direction. Easily collapses down the line of scrimmage or out to the flanks and catches ball carriers in backside pursuit. Displays good change of direction and the ability to immediately alter his angle of attack and redirect to ball handlers. Covers a lot of area on the field. Performed brilliantly during Senior Bowl practices.
Entering the season Phillips was graded as a camp body by scouts, but his draft stock has been on a straight shot north since September. He’s athletic, explosive and showed the ability to handle 3-4 outside linebacker duties
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