Baltimore Ravens: 5 Running Back Draft Targets

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

With the possibility of Justin Forsett leaving in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens will need to turn their attention to the running back draft class.

According to Over The Cap, the Ravens are set to have approximately $4.74 million in cap space–third lowest in the NFL. This is likely to increase in the near future, however, with the possibility of more roster cuts and restructured deals.

This week has seen the release of wide receiver Jacoby Jones and defensive end Chris Canty–making salary cap savings of $750,000 and $2.66 million respectively, per Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.

The future of defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and cornerback Lardarius Webb remains unclear. Ngata is set to account for $16 million of the Ravens’ 2015 cap; Webb’s hit is $12 million.

After a fantastic 2014 season, Forsett will command a lucrative, long-term deal. With limited cap space available, it may be wise to let him walk, as I wrote last week.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome is still optimistic they can work out a deal, however:

Although it will be difficult to part ways with a player who rushed 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns, it may be a necessity financially for the Ravens.

Fortunately for the Ravens, the pool of running backs in this year’s draft is a deep one. There are talented options throughout the draft. Here are five they should consider…

Next: A potential steal later on...