Wednesday, May 2, 2018

2018 NFL Draft Grades: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore had 12 picks in this 2018 draft, one of the highest numbers in the league. With priority needs at QB, TE, WR, OL, and LB listed, they could have done just about anything this year and succeeded. Here are my grades on how they filled their draft board:

Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
I was not a fan of Hurst through this process, mainly because of relatively low value as a scoring threat TE in the red zone, and his translation to being a standard old school Y TE. Still, there was good value as far as need and ratings were concerned, so it is hard to argue the pick.
Grade: B

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The Ravens traded back into the bottom of the 1st round, and got a QB that the staff feels that they can develop. Interesting shot across the bow to Joe Flacco, but this actually has to work for the message to be well received.
Grade: B

Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Brown fell hard in this process and graded out as a 3rd or 4th round pick at the end. Many still believe in him, and the Ravens could have gotten a bargain here in the 3rd.
Grade: B

Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
This makes the Hurst pick look solid, as they got both the Y TE, and now the receiver who can score. Smart pick here, with a solid strategy.
Grade: A

Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
Solid get with a solid 4th round pick. Ravens get a solid Nickel CB who can work his way up.
Grade: A

Kenny Young, LB, UCLA
This was the first real weird pick from the Ravens for me. He has a UDFA grade, so a round 4 pick was just too much of a risk.
Grade: D

Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
He wound up with a 2nd or 3rd round value, but concerns dropped him like a rock. Ravens took a shot, at little risk. Solid way to use a 5th round pick.
Grade: B

DeShon Elliott, S, Texas
They get another player valued two rounds earlier yhan they got him at, so value on day 3 with this player was outstanding.
Grade: A

Greg Senat, OT, Wagner
Everyone had different takes on this player, but for development purposes, the fit was solid.
Grade: B

Bradley Bozeman, C, Alabama
Yet another developmental piece for the line, and again, at great value. Day 3 work was splendid for the Ravens.
Grade: A

Zach Slieler, DE, Ferris State
He did not fit a specific plan here, but hard to argue, as his value increased a ton last week. Developmental practice squad player role is likely, or he could get cut, but there was some value there.
Grade: B

Priority Needs Filled: 5 of 5
Total Points: 35
Final Grade: B

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