The Baltimore Ravens (10-7) reached the NFL Playoffs last season, but ended up losing 24-17 to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Round. To lose a playoff game and end the season in that fashion was absolutely devastating. Plus, Lamar Jackson did not even play in that game.
However, the Ravens will be flying higher this season because Jackson finally signed the contract extension that kept Baltimore fans up at night over the past two years. Also, the Ravens signed WR Odell Beckham, Jr. to a one-year deal.
Plus, Baltimore had six picks in this year's NFL Draft. Here is a look at who were selected by the Ravens.
Round 1, Pick 22: Zay Flowers - WR - Boston College. 5'9", 182 lbs (78 rec, 1,077 yds, 12 TD).
Flowers should start right away for the Ravens. He is able to run any route without any issues. He was constantly double-teamed in college, so he is able to make tough catches from the outside or inside at the slot.
Round 3, Pick 23: Trenton Simpson - LB - Clemson. 6'2", 235 lbs (72 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles).
Simpson adds depth to a very loaded position at linebacker.
Round 4, Pick 22: Tavious Robinson - DE - Mississippi. 6'6", 257 lbs (8 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 7 sacks)
The Ravens add even more pass rushing from the edge with Robinson. Expect to see him on definite passing downs.
Round 5, Pick 22: Kyu Blu Kelly - CB - Stanford. 6'0", 191 lbs (6 pass breakups).
Kelly did not have many chances to make plays last season because opposing teams threw away from him a majority of the time. He adds depth to the secondary which is highly needed for a unit that has been ravaged by injuries over the past couple of seasons.
Round 6, Pick 22: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu - OT - Oregon. 6'5 1/2", 317 lbs.
Aumavae-Laulu will be given time to develop behind a solid offensive line.
Round 7, Pick 12: Andrew Vorhees - G - USC. 6'6", 310 lbs.
Vorhees would have been picked much higher if he would not have torn his ACL during the NFL combine. He will sit out this season.
Overview: The Ravens should have drafted more than one wide receiver. Grade: C+.
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