Baltimore Ravens: Much To Anticipate In 2016
By Kyle Andrews
2016 Draft Picks
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) runs the ball after an interception during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens have many different ways to go with their draft picks. On Todd McShay’s Big Board, the Ravens have many names that they could select in the 2016 draft within the top-10 picks:
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes
"Bosa has played lights-out since Big Ten play started, with 8.5 tackles for loss in four conference games. That gives him 45.5 TFLs in his 34 career games at Ohio State. He shows a consistent ability to convert speed to power and uses a wide array of pass-rush moves — swim, rip, club, spin. With experience playing DE on both sides and moving inside to DT on obvious pass downs, Bosa brings a lot of scheme versatility to the table."
Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida Gators
"The two best wide receivers Hargreaves and Florida faced this season — Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell (No. 12 on this list) and LSU’s Travin Dural — barely broke 100 yards receiving collectively. With three interceptions in his first six games of 2015, it’s clear Hargreaves is an upper-echelon talent. He lacks ideal size (5-11, 199), but he has the instincts and aggressiveness to develop into a good outside starting cornerback in the NFL. Hargreaves does a good job in press-man coverage, consistently redirecting wide receivers."
Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State Seminoles
"Ramsey has done it all for Florida State this season. He leads the team with eight passes defensed, and showed his big-time playmaking ability in back-to-back weeks earlier this season, registering three disrupted dropbacks against South Florida and then scoring a defensive touchdown off a fumble recovery vs. Boston College. Ramsey plays as a hybrid safety/corner role in Florida State’s scheme, frequently lining up over the slot. In the NFL, he projects best as a safety because he’s fast enough to play in center field or the slot and savvy enough to be a force against the run."
Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss Rebels
"Coming off a broken fibula and seven-game NCAA suspension, Tunsil made his much-anticipated 2015 debut last Saturday against Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, who entered the game with 8.5 sacks in four games. Tunsil waisted no time reminding everyone of his potential, as he hardly allowed Garrett near QB Chad Kelly. The left tackle has great range as a run-blocker, and he projects best in a zone-blocking-heavy scheme because of his mobility."
Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
"Smith has been one of the most disruptive outside linebackers in the country, compiling 6.0 TFLs in seven games. It has served as further proof that he has the ability to affect the game on every snap. He is a far more disruptive pass-rusher than the numbers suggest (just 4.5 sacks in 33 college games), has excellent cover skills and plays sideline-to-sideline as a run defender."
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
"Stanley’s play is a big reason Notre Dame ranks 15th in the FBS in rushing yards per game (234.6) and seventh in yards per carry (5.95). The senior has the prototypical frame, length and athleticism for a left tackle prospect. And while he needs to be crisper in terms of technique, he’s an effective run-blocker and he doesn’t lose many one-on-one matchups in pass protection. More from The Baltimore Wire What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing? Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29"
DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon Ducks
"Buckner has had a busy start to his Pac-12 season, compiling 5.0 TFLs (including 3.5 sacks) in four conference games. It was a welcome sight after he was held mostly in check by Michigan State OT Jack Conklin (No. 13 on this list). Buckner uses his explosive upper-body power to jar blockers and push the pocket, while his height (6-7) and length come in handy when trying to bat down passes. When he plays with leverage, he’s tough to stop."
If Ravens fans are patient, they will most likely be rewarded next season.