I've focused and projected so much on the Ravens' probability of drafting either an O-Lineman or a Tight End in the 1st Round that I may have missed the emergence of a special Wide Receiver opportunity.
Funny thing happened at the Combine this past weekend— a couple of top OL and TE prospects fell in value, while a bunch of WR prospects stole the show and rose in value.
Picking at #17 if they don't move up or back, the Ravens may have seen the big OL or TE guy they wanted become out-of-reach as so many of their fellow competitors slid back in value.
One of my favorite Ravens fan posters —AllBlackRaven— said it well:
"I don't see us going OT in the first, simply because Robinson, Matthews, Martin and Lewan will be long gone by the time we pick. Perhaps Moses or Richardson in 2nd, if we drop back in 1st for higher spot in the 2nd. What would make sense for me in the 1st is either top-shelf WR/TE or someone like [defensive standouts] Donald, Nix or Mack if they are there at 17. After the WR workout at the combine, I also changed my take on Mike Evans. Nothing to do with his 40— and everything to do with the way he catches the ball. Picking him in the first round sure doesn't seem like the worst thing that could happen. Weston Richburg on day 2 would be a well spent pick, too. I also badly want Andre Williams to give Ray and Pierce a run for their money – guy would be a steal in 4th. And we need to double dip on receivers in later rounds and take advantage of this very promising bunch. Wish we had as many picks as last year…"
All things considered, I still say that TE Eric Ebron is the best option for the Ravens' 1st round—but he might be long gone before pick #17 based on his fine Combine workout. Whether Dennis Pitta agrees to a contract or not, Ebron's a playmaker who could carry a TE load straight off the bat. Then in the 2nd round, perhaps the Ravens trade up to grab maybe a Jordan Matthew.
The WR guy who had looked most likely to have a chance of being picked by the Ravens in the 1st Round had they decided not go OL or TE was Mike Evans of Texas A&M.
But that ship may have sailed.
Evans looked so outstanding in all phases at the Combine, it now seems unlikely he will be there at #17 when the Ravens pick.
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock called this the “best wide receiver draft I’ve seen in years,” and other draft experts echoed that sentiment.
Mike Evans answered concerns about his speed by running the 40 in 4.53 seconds. Some analysts predicted that he would be the in 4.6- to 4.7 range, but the big target (6-5, 231) proved he has the speed to run from defenders. Evans has been linked to the Ravens in multiple mock drafts, but may have vaulted himself ahead of the No. 17 overall pick.
Other receivers who helped themselves with strong workouts Sunday were Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks and LSU’s Odell Beckham. Cooks shined by clocking a 4.33 in the 40, the best time among all receivers.
“This kid is special with the ball in his hands,” Mayock said after watching Cooks run.
Beckham wasn’t too far behind Cooks in the 40, as he clocked in at 4.43 seconds. Beckham was already considered a first-round prospect, and now he may end up as a top-20 pick.
USC’s Marqise Lee and Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin are two of the other top receivers, but they didn’t do quite as much to help their draft stock. But they also didn’t hurt themselves.
Lee’s 4.52-second 40 was a little slower than expected, but he had impressive hands during receiving drills. Benjamin ran a 4.61 in the 40, but he is known much more for his size (6-5, 240) than breakaway speed.
Other players who helped themselves are Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthew and Wake Forest’s Michael Campanaro, who both ran 4.46-second 40s.
Clemson’s Sammy Watkins, considered by many as the top receiver in the draft, likely solidified his place as top-five talent. He officially clocked in at 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and he still has the size (6-foot-0 , 211 pounds) to win battles in traffic. He also showed good hands and explosion during the receiving drills.
At least the Ravens know there will be some good value in the 2nd round at WR thanks to the good harvest available. So maybe, unless a Mike Evans falls into their lap, they would best be advised to be patient and wait out the 2nd round for the best wide receiver available at that time.
Perhaps the Ravens' ideal dilemma would be: you have Mike Evans and Eric Ebron both available before the 16th pick (Dallas) in the 1st round— and you are given the chance to trade up with Dallas using two later round picks. Now you can take them both! I know, I'm being whimsical— or is it just punch-drunk from watching 4 straight days of Combine?
Bottom line is Ozzie's theory of "take best player available according to talent but allowing for a factor of positional need" is about to really be put to the test in this Draft.
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