Baltimore Ravens Mock Draft: Priority goes to the offense
By Andrew Kim
Round 4, Pick 113- Darrell Henderson: RB, Memphis
Even though the Ravens have Gus Edwards and signed Mark Ingram (Saints) in free agency, they could use a big play threat as the 2nd leading NCAA rusher last year would definitely fit the bill.
Memphis running back Darrell Henderson could be considered the most explosive running back in this year’s draft class as some have him ranked over Alabama running back Josh Jacobs, who could go late in round 1.
Henderson can hit the hole and get a huge run on any given play and is more physical given his smaller size. Getting him on day 3 would be a nice get for the Ravens as the Tigers running back does not have start early and can be a valuable role player in Baltimore to get that big play on the ground.
Round 4, Pick 123- Joe Jackson; EDGE, Miami (FL.)
At Miami, Joe Jackson usually played as a base 4-3 defensive end but with the Ravens, he would transition as an edge rusher in a 3-4.
The Hurricane edge rusher Jackson, at 6’4″ 275 lbs., may not be that fluid in space but the Ravens usually take a chance on bigger pass rushers at outside linebacker (Example: Za’Darius Smith) that would complement well with more speed pass rushers like Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser.
He would be good for run support and batting down passes on the line of scrimmage. I could also see him having enough length and size to play as a 3-4 defensive end as a versatile piece on the front seven.
Round 5, Pick 160- Gary Johnson: LB, Texas
Patrick Onwuasor and Kenny Young should be the starting inside linebackers heading into 2019 but they get some speed here with Texas Longhorn Gary Johnson.
The 6’0″ 226 lbs. linebacker is slightly undersized but he could be a great blitzer up the middle. Johnson could be used in certain packages as a role to disrupt the opponents running game or potentially get to the quarterback.
He is decent in the shallow zone schemes but he would not be relying on covering in middle to deep zones despite his speed. He may be blocked too easily due to his size but if the Ravens defensive line can allow him to be isolated to blitz, he could be a potential play maker on defense.
Round 6, Pick 191- Lukas Denis: S, Boston College
Although his production fell off last year, Lukas Denis had a career-high of seven interceptions the year before as he has coverage ability and the ball skills that warrant his upside as a safety/ cornerback.
While the 5’11” 190 lbs. defensive back does not have the best size and is soft in run support, Denis has ball-hawking traits and position versatility that will provide good depth for the Ravens secondary. I would not rule out the Ravens drafting a defensive back in the later rounds, despite how crowded it currently is, as one can never have too many defensive backs.
The Boston College Eagles safety would ideally play deep mostly at the next level to maximize his range.
Round 6, Pick 193- Demarcus Christmas: IDL, Florida State
If there is one thing the Ravens are good at in the draft, it is drafting and developing defensive lineman. With Brent Urban still in free agency (has not signed yet), Zach Sieler will hope to take a step up in that big defensive end role in a 3-4.
The Ravens still have Chris Wormley and Willie Henry as the backups with Michael Pierce and Brandon Williams starting but could use another depth player in the middle of the defensive line. At 6’3″ 294 lbs., Florida State’s Demarcus Christmas could play at 3-4 defensive end as a run stopping defensive lineman.
Christmas has good power but would be more of a developmental player or a role player occasionally as he does not offer much as a pass rusher with his production lacking last year compared to his first two years as a Seminole.