The Ravens should be returning a large part of their offense in 2020, but there are still several areas in which they can improve from a record setting 2019 performance. The most obvious area that could use an injection of talent is the WR corps, and this happens to be one of the deepest and most talented WR drafts possibly ever. The offensive line, particularly offensive guard with Marshal Yanda nearing the end of his career, is a position that could use some depth, and offensive tackle depth may need to be addressed as well. Finally, RB is a position where the Ravens may look to improve if nothing else because of the nature of the position and how quickly players can wear down. Also, Gus Edwards is in a contract year and Mark Ingram is 30 years old. The Combine will give the Ravens a look at a lot of players that can come in and contribute immediately, so who are some players that we should keep an eye on this week?
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Wide Receivers:
The wide receiver position is similar to cornerback in how they come in different shapes and sizes and are suited for different roles on the football field. The breadth of diverse talent in this draft class perfectly encapsulates this notion. There are players like Ceedee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy who profile as prototypical WR1s that possess size, speed, route-running prowess and ball-skills that will allow them to threaten anywhere on the field. Other WRs may be more suited to playing in the slot or have rare speed that may allow them to function as elite deep threats or YAC machines. We will examine a few WRs that could serve different roles in the Ravens offense.
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson – projected 1st round: If you ask 10 people to rank the top 5 WRs in this draft class, you will most likely get 10 different answers. For reasons unsure to me, Higgins appears to be one of the more polarizing WR prospects in this class. Measuring in at 6’3 5/8” and 213, he possesses elite size and he has above average speed on film. There are some concerns about his agility and route running ability, but in my estimation, he possesses rare body control and ability to high point the ball and win in contested catch situations. He also has good ability after the catch and is a reliable deep threat. As a player that is projected to go in the 2nd half or later of the first round, there is a realistic chance that he is on the board when the Ravens are making their selection. If he comes out and puts up great Combine numbers, the Ravens may not have a chance at him.
KJ Hamler, WR, Penn St – projected 2nd round: Whew, Hamler is a lot of fun to watch. Explosive speed and elite burst/suddenness just jumps off the screen. Of course, his size is going to be a huge knock as he checks in at a diminutive 5’7 5/8”, 178, but the NFL has evolved to accept smaller receivers, and many of the best receivers in the NFL check in under 6 feet. Hamler would be an intriguing fit in the Ravens offense as he is exceptional after the catch, and the speed he would bring opposite of Hollywood Brown would put huge strain on any defense. With Hamler, the Ravens could turn into a legitimate track team like Kansas City has put together. I am looking forward to seeing how he tests at the Combine, especially the 40 and agility drills.
Michael Pittman Jr, WR, USC – projected 3rd/4th round: Pittman may be the Yin to KJ Hamler’s Yang. He’s a big bodied receiver who does not possess great speed, but he is a crafty route runner and a very reliable pass-catcher. He may be best suited to play as a “big slot” WR in the NFL which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For the Ravens he could be a long-term solution as the possession receiver who reliably makes plays over the middle of the field – a role that Mark Andrews has played for Lamar Jackson – but having another option here would be useful. I wouldn’t expect Pittman to test exceptionally well athletically, but there are certain thresholds that you would like to see him hit at the Combine. If he performs better than expected, there is a chance he could move up.
Offensive Line:
Netane Muti, OG, Fresno St – projected 2nd/3rd round: Muti has good size for an interior lineman and above average athleticism. His best trait is probably his movement skills and ability in the run game which makes him an attractive option for the Ravens offense. He may be the best Guard in this draft when pulling and his ability to finish blocks with power is impressive. Muti is solid in pass-protection as well and could be a good option for the Ravens on Day 2 of the draft.
Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas – projected 3rd/4th round: Adeniji is a very athletic offensive line prospect who has a lot of starting experience at tackle. There are still some issues with technique and consistency, and he has less than ideal length for OT in the NFL which could mean that he transitions to playing OG. The Ravens do have a need for interior OL depth and potentially a swing tackle as well which could make Adeniji an interesting option.
Running Back:
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU – projected 1st/2nd round: Edwards-Helaire is my favorite RB prospect in this draft. He is a bit on the smaller side, but he plays with impressive power, balance and shiftiness that allows him to run through contact and elude tackles at an impressive rate. Edwards-Helaire is also a very good pass-catcher out of the backfield and is an excellent route runner as well. He’s been compared to Ravens RB Mark Ingram, but I see a different former Ravens RB in Edwards-Helaire: Ray Rice. Generally speaking, I don’t like drafting RBs in the first round, and I don’t think Edwards-Helaire would be an exception to the rule, but if he were available when the Ravens draft in the 2nd he would be a home-run pick.
Sewo Olonilua, RB, TCU – projected late round/UDFA: Olonilua is an intriguing late round prospect due to his unique combination of size, speed and athleticism. He has been a part-time player throughout his career, but the speed and explosiveness is very evident. Olonilua is also an above average pass-catcher with better open field elusiveness than one would expect from a RB with his size. If the Ravens don’t take a RB earlier in the draft, he could be a great option late.
Ravens Analyst
Gabe is an avid fan of the NFL and Ravens football. He grew up in Westminster, MD, and attended college at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Biology. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and now works as a R&D Scientist developing Transplant Diagnostics assays. Gabe has appeared as a guest on 105.7 The Fan.