The return of last year’s top pick and two selections inside the top-40 have the Baltimore Ravens excited about adding three first-round quality players to the 2016 roster.
“We’re taking the approach that we have three first-round picks,” assistant general manager Eric DeCosta said, via ESPN.
Receiver Breshad Perriman, who was drafted at No. 26 overall last year, didn’t play in a single game in 2015 after tearing his PCL to start training camp. He’s still not fully healthy, but the Ravens expect him back in plenty of time for the start of camp this summer.
The 6’2″ speedster should give the Ravens a downfield asset in the passing game opposite veteran receiver Steve Smith.
Baltimore also holds the No. 6 and No. 36 picks in the 2016 draft.
The Ravens haven’t drafted inside the top 10 since 2003, when the club selected linebacker Terrell Suggs. The sixth overall pick should give Costa and general manager Ozzie Newsome the opportunity to draft an impact player, especially on defense.
The team’s next pick—which comes five selections into the second round—provides another chance to grab a talented player.
“That pick to us should be a first-round type player,” DeCosta said.
Three big additions could provide the foundation for a rebound next season.
The Ravens finished 5-11 in 2015, the club’s first losing season since 2007. Baltimore dropped six of its first seven games and then lost quarterback Joe Flacco to a torn ACL after just 10 games. Flacco hopes to be healthy and ready for the start of training camp.
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