Ravens Are Getting to Best-Player-Available Mode
The Ravens are at the Combine, identifying the next crop of young talent to usher into the program while working on other important business with free agency just around the corner.
Here are my thoughts, all in 50 words or less:
It’s clear the Ravens are trying their best to keep Ronnie Stanley. It has long seemed like the best outcome for both parties was to stay together. As always, it largely comes down to price, which is something these two sides figured out last offseason.
Re-signing Stanley also puts the Ravens in true best-player-available mode when it comes to the draft. In the first round, they could take a linebacker, safety, cornerback, defensive lineman, or offensive lineman. They’re crossing off needs to cast a wide net and catch the most talented player at 27.
This quote from Eric DeCosta didn’t get much attention, but it stuck with me. “If I have my choice, I’m always going with upside, and I’m always going with talent.” As Ravens fans watch the Combine workouts, keep an eye out for players with high upside (see, Nate Wiggins).
The draft’s top safeties, Georgia’s Malaki Starks and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, both seem like good options for the Ravens at No. 27. They’re both freakishly athletic playmakers who could complement and enhance those around them. Imagining either in Baltimore’s secondary is a tasty choose-your-flavor exercise.
Inside linebacker isn’t near the top of the Ravens’ needs, but could they draft Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell at 27 if he’s their best player available? He’s highly athletic and brings versatility as an edge rusher. Campbell is No. 12 on Daniel Jeremiah’s big board. DeCosta loves talent and value.
