As we turn the calendar to April, we can officially say draft month is here!
We’ve profiled some excellent prospects so far, and still have more to go. These four players each play a physical brand of football. So right away, they check a major box for the Ravens.
Moreover, these four players are all players not getting a lot of national attention. Major box No. 2: check. The reason that’s important is because they’ll hit the ground running with a chip on their shoulder. They all have things to work on, but they could all contribute to Baltimore’s success in some way right away.
Here are the four players I studied over the past week.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Akayleb Evans, Cornerback, Missouri
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 198 pounds
2021 stats: 30 tackles, 1.0 tfl, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 6 passes defensed
Key traits: Very physical. Doesn’t seem afraid. No hesitation when attacking oncoming blockers. Looks comfortable when asked to play as a force defender in the run game. Very good attacking the catch point and dislodging the ball, even after it hits the receiver’s hands. At his best, he’s a suffocating man corner. At his worst, he’s too grabby and susceptible to double moves.
Ideal position: Press man (boundary) corner
Potential draft spot: Early Round 5
Why he’d be a good fit: The Ravens will need another big-time corner as soon as this year. While Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters figure to be back to full health, the more corners you have, the better. Assuming Mike Macdonald will blitz often, Evans would need to clean up his tendency to grab receivers when they break off their routes. But if he can, there’s a lot to like there.
Cool side note: Graduated from Tulsa before transferring to Missouri in 2021
Bottom line: Evans could be a very imposing player at a key spot for Baltimore
NFL Draft Player Profile: Thomas Booker, Defensive Line, Stanford
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 309 pounds
2021 stats: 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 pass defensed
Key traits: Intelligent. Position-diverse. He played everywhere along the Stanford defensive line, from 0-7 technique. He shows a clear understanding of offensive schemes and is sensitive to play development, however he’s not always able to get to the ball in time. For my money, he’s best as a 5 technique, as he won’t get swallowed up in the traffic and can use his instincts against perimeter runs and screen passes. Can stand to develop more counter moves, as he can tend to rush squarely into offensive linemen and get stuck. His motor is good, as is his play strength. Saw him nearly stuff a goal line run against USC while holding off an offensive lineman with one arm and tackling the running back with the other.
Ideal position: Defensive End
Potential draft spot: Round 6
Why he’d be a good fit: The Ravens have consistently been able to take good defensive linemen and make them very good, regardless of where they’re drafted. Booker can step in as a rotational defensive lineman right away, providing depth and consistency, while working his way up to a starting role. The Ravens could get good value out of him without having to rush him along.
Cool side note: Native of Ellicott City and went to high school at Gilman
Bottom line: Booker is a less dynamic version of George Karlaftis, but he presents a lot to get excited about
NFL Draft Player Profile: Hassan Haskins, Running Back, Michigan
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 220 pounds
2021 stats: 270 carries, 1,327 yards, 4.9 ypc, 20 touchdowns; 18 receptions, 131 yards, 7.3 ypr
Key traits: So much to like about Haskins. The first thing that pops out at you is how he runs without hesitation. He has crisp, quick feet, and is decisive about where he’s going. He shows tremendous play strength and contact balance. Good vision and agility. Able to hurdle defenders and land on his feet to keep running. Can get chunk plays and can convert short yardage attempts.
Ideal position: Backup running back
Potential draft spot: Middle of Round 3
Why he’d be a good fit: Haskins played extremely well in a Michigan offense that is similar to Baltimore’s. The Wolverines deployed many heavy sets (12 and 13 personnel—1 back 2 tight ends/1 back 3 tight ends), as do the Ravens. He’s a durable back that is used to tough competition and unforgiving weather, like is seen in the B1G Ten and in the AFC North. Like we saw at many positions on the Ravens last year, having a valuable backup is more pressing than we thought. Though Gus Edwards will backup J.K. Dobbins, the Ravens run so much that adding Haskins would serve them well.
Cool side note: In his final two years at Michigan, Haskins produced more multi-touchdown games (9) than games where he didn’t score at all (6).
Bottom line: Haskins is a beast and one of the best fits for the Ravens of any player in this draft.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Jamaree Salyer, Offensive Line, Georgia
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 325 pounds
Key traits: Mauler. Strong hands. Fits well and looks to bury you. He’s pretty good in pass protection (only having allowed 1 sack and 11 pressures in his entire college career), but he’s much better going forward. Therefore, he may transition to guard at first, but his position flexibility will surely help his stock. For how big he is, Salyer moves well on pulls. He played mostly left tackle last year for the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, so there’s not much he hasn’t seen.
Ideal position: Main reserve guard in Year 1, and could compete for a starting tackle spot by Year 3
Potential draft spot: Middle of Round 3
Why he’d be a good fit: Because of his temperament, versatility, and performance, he’s an excellent fit for the Ravens offense that wants to be physical and multiple and is designed to make a deep playoff run.
Cool side note: Was ranked the No. 1 guard in America coming out of high school in 2018
Bottom line: By no means will the draft be a letdown if the Ravens don’t draft Salyer, but if they do take him, he could be a valuable addition to the team.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.