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NFL Draft 2018: 5 Offensive Tackles Baltimore Ravens Should Target

By Christopher Church

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Oklahoma offensive lineman Orlando Brown (R) and Arizona State offensive lineman Sam Jone look on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Oklahoma offensive lineman Orlando Brown (R) and Arizona State offensive lineman Sam Jone look on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Baltimore Ravens upgraded their wide receiver depth and quarterback position this offseason, but now it’s time to shift focus to the collection of offensive line prospects in the 2018 NFL draft.

For the second straight year, the Baltimore Ravens will pick No. 16 overall in the NFL draft. A few months ago, it was almost certain the Ravens would select a play-maker, specifically a wide receiver.

However, with the additions of wideouts Michael Crabtree and John Brown, along with the surprise signing of former Rookie of the Year and new Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin. The Ravens allowed two wideouts to walk and become free agents, however, in Jeremy Maclin and Mike Wallace.

Now the Ravens must work on improving their offensive line to protect quarterback Joe Flacco or even the fragile RG3, who knows. Most noteworthy, the Ravens must enhance their depth at offensive line.

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Center Ryan Jensen signed a four-year, $42 million contract over the offseason. The Ravens also lost right tackle Austin Howard after electing to not exercise his option for 2018.

Many NFL draft experts have the Ravens selecting an offensive tackle in the first round. Among the experts is ESPN’s Mel Kiper who projects the Ravens to take Notre Dame offensive tackle, Mike McGlinchey.

NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein and Bucky Brooks agree with the ESPN draft expert and have the Ravens projected to select UCLA’s offensive tackle Kolton Miller as well as Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown.

The Baltimore Ravens NFL draft 2018 picks includes eight draft picks in total:

  • Round 1, Pick 16
  • Round 2, Pick 20, No. 52 overall
  • Round 3, Pick 19, No. 83 overall
  • Round 4, Pick 18, No. 118 overall
  • Round 5, Pick 17, No. 154 overall
  • Round 6, Pick 16, No. 190 overall
  • Round 6, Pick 41, No. 215 overall (Compensatory)
  • Round 7, Pick 20, No 238 overall

With right tackle being the Ravens biggest needs heading into the draft, below are five tackle prospects the Ravens should consider in the 2018 NFL draft.

5. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

PFF Big Board 2018: No. 62
NFL.com’s Prospect Grade: 5.66 (Chance to become NFL starter)

As the No. 4 ranked offensive tackle according to Pro Football Focus 2018 rankings, Tyrell Crosby delivers a sturdy game and can outpower most defensive tackles. Crosby also has the ability to play at both right and left tackle and excels when playing straight ahead.

A projected second or third round draft pick, Crosby suffered from an ailing hip which may force him to move to guard during his NFL career. Crosby holds the desired NFL size and strength but lacks fundamental speed.

According to NFL.com, some of Crosby’s strengths include:

  • Applies an effective combination of mass and length
  • Force blocker with top-tier power
  • Moves well with feet in running situations
  • Owns sufficient versatility at first contact

Crosby suffered an injury in 2016 but rebounded nicely in his senior year with the Oregon Ducks. In 2017, Crosby set a career-high of 540 run block snaps and didn’t allow a single sack.

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