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2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams

By George Stockburger

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens

Key Draft Needs: WR, EDGE, FS

Record: 8-6

Wide receiver – The Ravens’ receiving corp is not bad, they’re not good, but they’re not bad. They could use an upgrade and another boundary threat that has a track record of consistency and staying healthy. Fortunately for them, there are several to choose from in this draft.

Virginia Tech’s Isaiah Ford could be a good addition for them  that they could add at the end of the first round, or in the second round if they chose. Another option they could spring for in the middle rounds is LSU’s Malachi Dupre, is a talented player, but his quarterbacks in college killed his numbers. Any option can’t hurt them, but they need to add another repeatable threat in order for their offense to have some teeth. Breshad Perriman, and Mike Wallace won’t cut it in the long run. Not to mention that 37 year old Steve Smith Sr. won’t be around forever.

Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Edge Rusher – The Ravens need edge depth, and this is a great draft to have that need with the depth of the group coming out. Terrell Suggs is getting up there in age, and it can’t hurt to add depth behind Matt Judon and Ziggy Smith. Not to mention, Elvis Dumervil has regressed considerably since his 14 sack season in 2014.

Takkarist McKinley from UCLA is a viable mid to late first round selection for them, with good speed off the edge and Demarcus Ware comparisons he could be a good get. Another guy they could look into is Alabama’s Ryan Anderson, an underrated but very talented outside linebacker who can get after the quarterback .

The Ravens are 14th in the NFL in sacks (29) and could use another top tier edge rusher to help make their pass rush fearsome again. With young edge rushers being added to the roster it’s a chance for them to move on from their older and more expensive pass rushers.

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) is congratulated by safety Eric Weddle (32) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) is congratulated by safety Eric Weddle (32) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Safety – With Eric Weddle manning strong safety, and locked up until 2020 they’re good at that position. But at free safety, with Ladarius Webb, they could seek to upgrade or build depth. Webb, 31, has one more year left on his contract and has played all 16 games only once since 2012.

Florida’s Marcus Maye could be a second or third round upgrade there, and could be a solid option to move depth. He’s a talented safety with good ball skills and run stopping abilities. If they want to make a move later, Virginia’s Quin Blanding could be another solid choice to field at free safety.

They have one in-house backup in Marqueston Huff, but he’s only played in eight games this season with the Titans recording no stats. The Ravens need help in the back-end, and this isn’t a loaded draft safety wise. If they want to make an upgrade, they need to pull the trigger early to ensure one of the top safeties.

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