Baltimore Ravens: 7 Targets in the 2020 NFL Draft to help them get over the hump
The Baltimore Ravens have the NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson but which 2020 NFL Draft targets will help the team as a whole take the next step?
The Baltimore Ravens had an amazing season that ended too early for fans. Still, going 14-2 and winning the AFC North is nothing to be sad about, especially with the rise of Lamar Jackson, who won the MVP in historic fashion — which wasn’t bad for a running back. However, the Ravens need the help of the 2020 NFL Draft to make sure he and the team stay on track.
When you think of the Ravens, there’s still the aura of the great defenses lingering over the team. In fact, they aren’t far removed from those teams as they finished the 2019 season ranked No. 4 in yards and No. 3 in points scored against. It appeared the Ravens of old were back — except with the No. 1 ranked offense this time around.
In the playoffs, however, that all changed. Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry ran through them like hot water through snow, leaving a sour taste in their mouths. Nose tackle Michael Pierce is a free agent. If he leaves, there’s a huge void to be filled. Even if he’s retained, boosting their run defense is a necessity, be it on the line or at linebacker.
On the back end, cornerback Jimmy Smith is 32 years old and headed toward free agency. They have a solid pair of safeties in Earl Thomas and Chuck Clark. Their biggest need, though, is an edge rusher. Matt Judon is the only Raven worth mentioning in that department with 9.5 sacks on the season where they totaled just 27 sacks, and he too is slated to hit the open market.
Offensively, Jackson needs help at wide receiver. Marquise Brown is a nice weapon but they need more. They can stand to bolster their interior offensive line whether Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda retires or not. However, that seems more likely to be addressed via trade or free agency.
While free agency is always an option in any regard, the 2020 NFL Draft has plenty of talent to help them repeat as division champs and help get them over the hump next season. Here are seven players the Ravens should be targeting come late April.
7. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
The Ravens are in dire need of a player who can play the X, someone who plays with passion in the running game who can also contribute as a receiver. USC standout Michael Pittman Jr. is a player that fits the bill.
For starters, he’s 6-4, 220 pounds and plays with physicality and power at the line of scrimmage. He’s a dog in the run game who thrives in blocking which helps when you have an elite runner at quarterback. Most importantly, Pittman uses his body to shield defenders and use his length to create an excellent target.
No, he’s not a burner but he does a solid job separating with savvy route runner and power at the stem. He’ll work the middle of the field and he’s a safe target downfield on deep routes. Pittman has excellent body control and great timing at the catch point.
In a wide receiver class with depth that surpasses the 2012 NFL Draft, Pittman can likely be had at the end of Day 2 or on Day 3 of the draft.