Baltimore Ravens: 2015 NFL Mock Draft
Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) returns a kickoff for a touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium. The touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty. Georgia won 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens’ season came to a heartbreaking end in Foxborough, when they came agonizingly close to upsetting the New England Patriots. Which players should they select in this year’s draft to go all the way to the Super Bowl next year?
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This is a talented team, no question. The Ravens slipped under the radar for much of the season and were underrated in the playoffs.
With only approximately $5.7 million available in cap space (per Over The Cap) and with 30 pending free agents, there is a lot for general manager Ozzie Newsome to sort through.
Among those decisions is the future of defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. As it stands, Ngata is set to account for $16 million of the 2015 cap, and the Ravens will be trying to agree a long-term deal with him, pushing a lot of that money into future years.
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Torrey Smith(82) warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback Lardarius Webb‘s future is also unclear: Webb is set to account for $12 million against the cap in 2015.
Pending free agents include wide receiver Torrey Smith, tight end Owen Daniels and running back Justin Forsett. Those three combined for 23 touchdowns in 2014.
The fact is the Ravens can’t re-sign everybody, and unless they restructure deals or cut players, they will struggle to bring back any of their big-name free agents.
Due to this, a lot of emphasis must be placed on the 2015 NFL Draft. The Ravens currently own six draft picks and don’t own a selection in the fifth-round due to a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for center Jeremy Zuttah.
Who should they target with each of their picks this year?
Next: Round 1