ESPN Analyst Says Ravens Trading Block From No….

It’s been more than a decade since the Ravens traded out of the first round, but ESPN analyst Jordan Reid believes it’s a realistic possibility this year.

“I’ve heard that trading back from No. 30 to land extra draft capital might be in play,” Reid wrote.

General Manager Eric DeCosta likes having as many picks as possible, and trading out of the first round would likely bring additional picks on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3).

However, DeCosta said at the pre-draft press conference this week that it would require a “premium” offer for the Ravens to trade the 30th-overall pick. One reason DeCosta might be reluctant to trade out of the first round is that it would mean giving up the top pick’s fifth-year option, which is reserved for first-round picks.

In 2012, the Ravens traded the 29th-overall pick to Minnesota for the Vikings’ picks in the second (35th) and fourth rounds (98th).

At No. 35, Baltimore selected linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who played in every game during his four years with the Ravens and made 51 starts. During his rookie season, Upshaw forced a fumble in the Ravens’ Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers.

On a side note, Reid said that he’s hearing that wide receiver and offensive tackle are the two positions that dominate conversations when speaking with sources close to the Ravens about the draft. Baltimore has drafted a wide receiver in the first round in three of the past five years.

“Baltimore hasn’t been shy about helping quarterback Lamar Jackson with first-round receivers, and that trend could continue,” Reid wrote. “And after trading Morgan Moses to the Jets, Baltimore could also target someone like Jordan Morgan (Arizona) or Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) to join Patrick Mekari, Daniel Faalele and Josh Jones in the OL mix.”

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley said the best-case scenario is for the Ravens to draft an offensive tackle in the first round.

“Baltimore needs a prospect who can start immediately at right tackle and eventually transition to left tackle, where Ronnie Stanley is entering a contract year,” Hensley wrote.

Pro Football Focus Names Best Day 2 and Day 3 Draft Fits for Ravens
While most mock drafts and draft discussions focus on what teams will do in the first round, Pro Football Focus looked at the best Day 2 and Day 3 fits for every team.

With a deep draft class of offensive linemen and the Ravens having a need there, it’s not surprising that a guard and an offensive tackle were matched with Baltimore.

In 2012, the Ravens traded the 29th-overall pick to Minnesota for the Vikings’ picks in the second (35th) and fourth rounds (98th).

At No. 35, Baltimore selected linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who played in every game during his four years with the Ravens and made 51 starts. During his rookie season, Upshaw forced a fumble in the Ravens’ Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers.

On a side note, Reid said that he’s hearing that wide receiver and offensive tackle are the two positions that dominate conversations when speaking with sources close to the Ravens about the draft. Baltimore has drafted a wide receiver in the first round in three of the past five years.

“Baltimore hasn’t been shy about helping quarterback Lamar Jackson with first-round receivers, and that trend could continue,” Reid wrote. “And after trading Morgan Moses to the Jets, Baltimore could also target someone like Jordan Morgan (Arizona) or Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) to join Patrick Mekari, Daniel Faalele and Josh Jones in the OL mix.”

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley said the best-case scenario is for the Ravens to draft an offensive tackle in the first round.

“Baltimore needs a prospect who can start immediately at right tackle and eventually transition to left tackle, where Ronnie Stanley is entering a contract year,” Hensley wrote.

Pro Football Focus Names Best Day 2 and Day 3 Draft Fits for Ravens
While most mock drafts and draft discussions focus on what teams will do in the first round, Pro Football Focus looked at the best Day 2 and Day 3 fits for every team.

With a deep draft class of offensive linemen and the Ravens having a need there, it’s not surprising that a guard and an offensive tackle were matched with Baltimore.