Baltimore Ravens: How 2018 NFL Draft could save John Harbaugh’s job

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens calls a play at the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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A developmental QB of the future, or insurance

Joe Flacco has been the Ironman the Ravens needed underneath the center, but he hasn’t always been elite. Despite his stellar playoff performances, Flacco has been up and down during the regular season. He’s just 32, so drafting his successor is very premature. However, it’s okay to grab a guy who can be an insurance policy. The Ravens need a smart quarterback who has accuracy and can sit behind Flacco and learn in case the Ravens part ways with him after the 2018 season.

Washington State quarterback Luke Falk is the ideal guy for the Ravens. What Falk does well is get rid of the ball quickly and with accuracy. He has really good size standing at 6-4, 225 pounds. Falk’s ability to put the ball in the right spots on timing routes is ideally suited for the type of receivers and offense the Ravens have. If Falk is there in the fourth round, the Ravens would be able to get their hands on a guy who projects an NFL starter.

Much like every other team, the Ravens have a lot of needs. One may argue pass rusher, but with young talent like Tim Williams, who they drafted in the third round last year, they still have developing talent. They also have Za’Darius Smith, who looked promising as a rookie (2015) with 5.5 sacks and followed it up with 3.5 last season, so they can hold off just a bit.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds

Linebacker is the same way. C.J. Mosley is a stud and, while some may think an upgraded is needed over Patrick Onwuasor, consider how well the duo played together. Newsome added some help at receiver, but there’s still a major need for a go-to guy at the position. They need to get some offensive line help as well, and must improve the secondary. If they can grab any of these players, then you might as well pencil them in as the AFC North champs.

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