The first rounds of mock drafts are out. Consider these predictions written in pencil because there will be many more.
The Ravens have the 26th pick in the first round and a few needs on offense and defense.
As of now, there's a wide range of players that draftniks could see landing in Baltimore.
Here's the most recent roundup:
ESPN, Mel Kiper
Posted Jan. 15
WR Devin Funchess, Michigan
Junior; 6-foot-4, 235 pounds; 62 receptions, 733 yards, 4 touchdowns
"It's not really fair to call Funchess a tight end based on where he typically lines up, but at more than 6-foot-4 and at about 235 pounds with the ability to simply overpower most cornerbacks, he's not exactly a flanker, either. What I'd call him is a perpetual matchup problem, a guy you can move around, with the quickness to run crisp routes and easily create space if linebackers try to cover him and enough size to make cornerbacks have to go through him for the ball. Joe Flacco can use a weapon like Funchess, as could Gary Kubiak, assuming he passes on any other overtures."
ESPN, Todd McShay
Posted Feb. 5
CB Jalen Collins, LSU
Junior; 6-0, 193; 33 tackles, 1 interception, 0 passes defensed
"The Ravens could look to draft a wide receiver here, with Steve Smith Sr. in the latter stages of his career and Torrey Smith a free agent this offseason. Arizona State's Jaelen Strong is a big target who would be an asset for Joe Flacco. But I think upgrading the secondary is a bigger priority for the Ravens. Collins is still developing, but he has the length and speed to become a good starting cornerback in the NFL."
NFL Network, Daniel Jeremiah
Posted Jan. 14
WR Devin Funchess, Michigan
"Steve Smith is not going to play much longer. Some evaluators like Funchess as a tight end, but I prefer him on the outside, where he can use his size/strength to overpower defenders."
NFL Network, Bucky Brooks
Posted Jan. 19
RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Junior; 6-0, 207; 2,587 rushing yards, 7.5 average, 29 touchdowns, 19 receptions, 153 yards, 3 touchdowns
"Gordon is a one-cut runner with the speed, quickness and burst to thrive in the Ravens' zone-based running game."
Sports Illustrated, Chris Burke
Posted Feb. 5
WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
Junior; 6-3, 212; 82 receptions, 1,165 yards, 10 touchdowns
"Was the Torrey Smith-Steve Smith combo a one-and-done proposition in Baltimore? Regardless, the Ravens could use Strong. He fits the mold for what Joe Flacco needs in a receiver – namely, a physical target who will outmuscle cornerbacks for the ball."
SB Nation, Dan Kadar
Posted Feb. 9
WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
"Statistically, wide receiver Torrey Smith took a step backward this season. If there's a good wideout available when the Ravens pick, they should strike. Strong is at his best when he's working vertically, which caters to Joe Flacco's deep ball ability."
CBS Sports, Rob Rang
Posted Feb. 2
WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
"At 35, Steve Smith is a short-term fix, and Torrey Smith is a pending free agent. The aptly-named Strong has the size, power and body control to win contested passes, traits that project well with the strong-armed Joe Flacco delivering passes."
CBS Sports, Dane Brugler
Posted Feb. 2
DE Arik Armstead, Oregon
Junior; 6-8, 290; 20 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble
"Defensive line might not be the Ravens' top need, but Armstead might be too much of a value for Baltimore at this point in the first round. The Oregon defensive lineman is a versatile athlete with a very high ceiling."
CBS Sports, Pat Kirwan
Posted Feb. 5
TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota
Junior; 6-4, 250; 36 receptions, 569 yards, 8 touchdowns
"Many coaches have told me Williams is a game breaker. One went as far as to say he was a freak. At any rate he has rare athletic ability and Joe Flacco knows how to feed him the ball."* *
Sporting News, Eric Galko
Posted Jan. 8
CB P.J. Williams, Florida State
Junior; 6-0, 196; 60 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 0 passes defensed
"Baltimore has done a great job in solving problems before they become major red flags, and keeping their defensive backfield stocked with talent is wise. Williams is a plus athlete, and he'll slowly be worked into the team's lineup."
