When you’re holding the #17 pick in the draft, you sorta hold the cat-bird pick…
You can trade up… or trade back.. or you can hold steady…
Here’s how Garrett Downing of the Baltimore Ravens.com website sees the “hold steady” picks shaping up:
If the Ravens stay true to #17, here are Downing’s most likely suspects:
Tight End Eric Ebron, North Carolina
Ebron is a dangerous weapon in the passing game and he creates mismatches for opposing defenses. Ebron is better known for his pass-catching ability rather than his skills as a blocker. He is regarded by many draft analysts as a likely top-10 pick, so there’s a decent chance he’s gone by the time the Ravens are up.
OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
Lewan is regarded as one of the top three offensive tackles in the draft, and he could fill an immediate need at right tackle. Lewan’s draft stock may have taken a hit because of ongoing legal issues stemming from an altercation in December. If the off-the-field issues drop Lewan to the middle of the first round, then the Ravens could snag him.
OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame
Martin was a four-year starter at Notre Dame who can play multiple positions along the line. His best spot in the NFL could be at guard because he is slightly undersized as a tackle. He has drawn some comparisons to Ravens All-Pro right guard Marshal Yanda.
S Calvin Pryor, Louisville
The hard-hitting safety has the ability to play deep in coverage or in the box against the run. He could get paired with last year’s first-round pick Matt Elam to anchor the back end of the defense, and he has the versatility that makes him an attractive target.
S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Clinton-Dix is a free safety with good size and speed to roam the middle of the field. He was highly productive in college and already has familiarity with an NFL-style defense after playing for Nick Saban at Alabama. Clinton-Dix could also be paired with Elam as the Ravens’ starting safeties.
WR Marqise Lee, USC
Lee was one of the top receivers in the country during his college football career, and many draft experts think he has the skills to immediately translate to the NFL game. Lee’s stock dipped a little after the NFL Scouting Combine because of a slower than expected time in the 40-yard dash, but he could still be a valuable addition to the receiving corps.
WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
Cooks’ stock went on the rise after running the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds at the combine. He’s a speedy receiver that can play inside and outside, and he is a similar player to new Raven Steve Smith, Sr. The Ravens no longer have a significant need at receiver because of the addition of Smith, but Cooks could use this year to develop and learn from the proven veteran.
WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M
Evans was linked to the Ravens in the early round of mock drafts, but his stock also rose after the combine thanks to impressive measurables [add]and a solid 40-yard dash time. Evans likely moved himself into the top-10 range, but the Ravens may target him if he happens to slide in the first round.
Fan reaction?
“First of all there is no way Evans will drop to 17 and no way Ozzie gives up picks to go up and grab him. So he shouldn’t be on this list. But to get to my point, I really pray we get Pryor. I like him way more than Dix and I think he has a lot more range than people are giving him credit for and he’s the best hitter in this draft. He’s a tone setter and that is something our defense was definitely lacking last year. I think he can play deep coverage and come up and lay a smack on any ball carrier. I love the way he plays. Everyone keeps saying “but he’s a SS, he’s a SS” and i think that they’re wrong. He can play either position and since we already have Elam i think He’d play FS no problem. I think our secondary would be absolutely scary with him and Elam back there. He reminds me of Earl Thomas. I really hope he’s there at 17…” — Ravens 5227
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