Trade back seems the most responsible.

[SammyG]

So the more that I think about it, we are going to get a bunch of guys back healthy and have made a few really good moves this offseason. I think that takes us with some injury luck from a 5 win team to possibly a 10 win team in my opinion. With so many injuries over the last few years, we have had to sign a lot of men to fill our holes left by injuries and so, I think we have some really quality depth which is encouraging. Unfortunately, I think we lack elite talent in too many positions to say we're going to be an AFC championship-Superbowl quality team next year. I think we need:

1. A good tackle prospect who can spend the year at guard and take over for Monroe if injured and next year if we cut him. 

2. One more wide receiver. I don't think it has to be a Treadwell or Doctson or even a Boyd or Fuller, but a prospect with upside like Shepard or Peake.

3. A middle linebacker who is a 3 down player next to Mosley. Jack easily solves this issue, but I think it will more likely come from free agency before or after June cuts.

4. A defensive end. Guy did really well last year, but Canty is gone and adding someone like Buckner and allowing Guy to rotate in is a scary though with TJ and BW.

5. OLB. Suggs and Doom will be back and Zadarius flashed at the end of last year, but right now Upshaw isn't on this team and we didn't get enough pressure last year.  

6. CB. I have faith in Wright and Smith on the outside with Davis in the slot, but if one goes down, Arrington didn't look good last year and there's no one else currently.

These are in no particular order, but they are my areas of upgrade. I know we say we don't draft for need, but free agency is over and we have some holes. If we don't focus the draft defensively, I think we are going to look weak and rely on Joe more than we'd like. So, I think trading back an acquiring at least an additional second rounder would really help add the speed and upside and hunger and youth to our defense we desperately need. 

All that said, I know it takes two to trade, but I think we're in a good spot to trade at 6 in front of San Francisco. So here goes my second mock!

 

RD1. Trade back with the Raiders who are apparently aggressively looking at Ezekiel Elliot and we take Kevin Dodd and there second and third round picks.

RD2. Mackensie Alexander- We get the best of both worlds with these 2 picks because I believe Alexander is coming in with a high floor and pretty high ceiling and Dodd is coming in a little raw, but has a huge ceiling. 

RD2. Sterling Shepard - Probably going to be our 5th wide receiver this year which is scary good. Gets mentored by SSS this year, takes starting slot receiver next year and adds as KR and PR.

RD3. Willie Beavers - I think he has the quickness to play guard this year and move to LT next year!

RD3. Kentrell Brothers - Adds the coverage ability we need to ILB position next to Mosley.

Rd4. Eric Striker - Adds nice pass rush ability, really strong guy 23 reps on bench press. Quality tape at Oklahoma.

 

Please comment and tell me what you think!

[JoeyFlex5]

I actually wouldn't be upset with this at all. I'd love to see dodd under our coaching staff. However... I don't see enough value in that trade. That's what... 10 spots back? That's at least a first next year since theure jumping into the top 10 so many spots. 

 

Also, what's to say were the team they even want to trade with to take zeke? I don't see the reasoning there. Also it's possible Alexander falis that far but not likely.

[SammyG]

I think Alexander may fall after hearing that Carolina and I think Pittsburgh didn't have a first round grade on him. Oakland is at 14 so it is only an 8 spot trade up. A second and third might not be enough, but I think that any team that wants Zeke will have to trade with us because if the cowboys don't take him, I've seen the consensus is Philly at 8. San Fran will take a quarterback so I think that also adds to our trade value. 

[JoeyFlex5]

True I forgot about the eagles. That's definitely plausible. I'd also have to ask who are we passing up for dodd? Because I really loved dodds game vs Bama but that was a flash in the pan for him, he was solid all year but he wasn't spectacular like he was in that game, I'd want to see consistency before I give him a top 20 grade. 

[Maryland]

OL is quietly a huge need for this team. Finding a replacement for Monroe is obvious, but Ricky Wagner also could be gone after this year. Plus we just need a backup OT in general (since Hurst just doesn't seem like he should be out there). And then we should look into a better LG if Urschel/Jensen don't pan out (shame Denver plucked Myers off our PS, not that he's a stud or anything). We should definitely draft an OT to develop, preferably someone with talent in like the first 3 rounds.

[BmoreBird22]

1 hour ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

True I forgot about the eagles. That's definitely plausible. I'd also have to ask who are we passing up for dodd? Because I really loved dodds game vs Bama but that was a flash in the pan for him, he was solid all year but he wasn't spectacular like he was in that game, I'd want to see consistency before I give him a top 20 grade. 

1. It was the entire football playoffs. He was easily the MVP of that run. He had five straight games with at least one sack to end the season. I'd hardly call him a flash in the pan.

2. His play from the entire season was better than Lawson's; he just only had one year of starts and I think that's where most scouts are worried.

Edited March 20, 2016 by BmoreBird22

[allblackraven]

2 minutes ago, BmoreBird22 said:

1. It was the entire football playoffs. He was easily the MVP of that run.

2. His play from the entire season was better than Lawson's; he just only had one year of starts and I think that's where most scouts are worried.

I haven't watched many Clemson games but isn't it possible that the teams were committing more resources to neutralize Lawson, making things easier for Dodd?

[BmoreBird22]

4 minutes ago, allblackraven said:

I haven't watched many Clemson games but isn't it possible that the teams were committing more resources to neutralize Lawson, making things easier for Dodd?

It's possible. Lawson is definitely the superior edge defender, meaning they'd likely commit a tight end more often. It's true that Dodd didn't see as many double teams, but he still had almost four pressures a game and finished just 0.5 tackles for loss and sacks behind Lawson. I actually think Dodd has a much higher ceiling as a pass rusher. He showed tremendous growth from 2014 to 2015 and just as the 2015 season progressed.

And this is similar to how it was in 2014 for Beasley, but that front is so talented that none of those guys are going to consistently see a double team. They just have too many guys upfront who can do damage to you that it's not worth the risk to commit too many blockers to any one player.

And just thinking more, maybe "better" wasn't the right word, but rather more impressive.

Edited March 20, 2016 by BmoreBird22

[JoeyFlex5]

38 minutes ago, BmoreBird22 said:

1. It was the entire football playoffs. He was easily the MVP of that run. He had five straight games with at least one sack to end the season. I'd hardly call him a flash in the pan.

2. His play from the entire season was better than Lawson's; he just only had one year of starts and I think that's where most scouts are worried.

Lawson also held most of the attention from offenses. Dodd came in under the radar compared to Lawson. I never said he didn't have a good season but like you said he hasn't shown the consistency you would like from a top 20 pick.

[Edgar]

5 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

7 hours ago, SammyG said:

So the more that I think about it, we are going to get a bunch of guys back healthy and have made a few really good moves this offseason. I think that takes us with some injury luck from a 5 win team to possibly a 10 win team in my opinion. With so many injuries over the last few years, we have had to sign a lot of men to fill our holes left by injuries and so, I think we have some really quality depth which is encouraging. Unfortunately, I think we lack elite talent in too many positions to say we're going to be an AFC championship-Superbowl quality team next year. I think we need:

1. A good tackle prospect who can spend the year at guard and take over for Monroe if injured and next year if we cut him. 

2. One more wide receiver. I don't think it has to be a Treadwell or Doctson or even a Boyd or Fuller, but a prospect with upside like Shepard or Peake.

3. A middle linebacker who is a 3 down player next to Mosley. Jack easily solves this issue, but I think it will more likely come from free agency before or after June cuts.

4. A defensive end. Guy did really well last year, but Canty is gone and adding someone like Buckner and allowing Guy to rotate in is a scary though with TJ and BW.

5. OLB. Suggs and Doom will be back and Zadarius flashed at the end of last year, but right now Upshaw isn't on this team and we didn't get enough pressure last year.  

6. CB. I have faith in Wright and Smith on the outside with Davis in the slot, but if one goes down, Arrington didn't look good last year and there's no one else currently.

These are in no particular order, but they are my areas of upgrade. I know we say we don't draft for need, but free agency is over and we have some holes. If we don't focus the draft defensively, I think we are going to look weak and rely on Joe more than we'd like. So, I think trading back an acquiring at least an additional second rounder would really help add the speed and upside and hunger and youth to our defense we desperately need. 

All that said, I know it takes two to trade, but I think we're in a good spot to trade at 6 in front of San Francisco. So here goes my second mock!

 

RD1. Trade back with the Raiders who are apparently aggressively looking at Ezekiel Elliot and we take Kevin Dodd and there second and third round picks.

RD2. Mackensie Alexander- We get the best of both worlds with these 2 picks because I believe Alexander is coming in with a high floor and pretty high ceiling and Dodd is coming in a little raw, but has a huge ceiling. 

RD2. Sterling Shepard - Probably going to be our 5th wide receiver this year which is scary good. Gets mentored by SSS this year, takes starting slot receiver next year and adds as KR and PR.

RD3. Willie Beavers - I think he has the quickness to play guard this year and move to LT next year!

RD3. Kentrell Brothers - Adds the coverage ability we need to ILB position next to Mosley.

Rd4. Eric Striker - Adds nice pass rush ability, really strong guy 23 reps on bench press. Quality tape at Oklahoma.

 

Please comment and tell me what you think!

 

Dodd has great,superior get off and I can see this playing out and I can see the Ravens liking him. Considering the salivating last year over bud Dupree and Shane Ray I definitely see it as possible. If Dodd is stronger and if he can learn to implement additional moves he could be a terror. I also like his effort but I am wary of his success being  a bit of a one year thing. Probably could talk myself into that as upside in his case.

I still don't think there is a better edge rusher than Noah Spence and wonder about him in this scenario over Dodd. 

[edthehead]

we will trade back folks,

 

[ALPHA]

I think there are teams feigning interest in Wentz but looking to make a big move for Goff, we could really cash in.

[Somerset Ravens]

Trading back from #6 to #14 for Oakland's 2nd and 3rd picks would be great value. I don't think Oakland would give that much, we would be lucky to get their 2nd and 4th picks. Dodd seems like a reach at 14. IMO Lawson is a better option at 14.

[SammyG]

15 minutes ago, Somerset Ravens said:

Trading back from #6 to #14 for Oakland's 2nd and 3rd picks would be great value. I don't think Oakland would give that much, we would be lucky to get their 2nd and 4th picks. Dodd seems like a reach at 14. IMO Lawson is a better option at 14.

I would agree with you, but I think it's a stretch that Lawson is still there at 14. Heck Dodd might not be there at 14 either, but regardless I'd take either one. If they are both available, I'd tend to Lawson as a practical matter. 

[Supychou]

Striker in the 4th round is a HUGE reach. We could get him easily in the 6th or even 7th, tbh.

[thieverycorporation]

I think there is no question that we trade back. I really don't see a single player that would be I just got to have him @ six. Even if Tunsils there I think if the right combo of picks is there, he'd take it. He could do so much damage in the pick order. You already see the Patriots bracing for such a move by their most recent moves. Ozzie could pick this draft dry. He'd have a mid 1st plus 2 seconds, 2 thirds, 4 forths, and the possibility of reentering the fifth via a future trade. I don't think Ozzie would even miss getting a first next year. Actually I'm pulling for them to trade back. A impactful player will still be in the mix no matter where they land in the first. Flexibility is key for this draft.

Edited March 20, 2016 by thieverycorporation

[edthehead]

14 minutes ago, thieverycorporation said:

I think there is no question that we trade back. I really don't see a single player that would be I just got to have him @ six. Even if Tunsils there I think if the right combo of picks is there, he'd take it. He could do so much damage in the pick order. You already see the Patriots bracing for such a move by their most recent moves. Ozzie could pick this draft dry. He'd have a mid 1st plus 2 seconds, 2 thirds, 2 thirds, 4 fours, and the possibility of reentering the fifth via a future trade. I don't think Ozzie would even miss getting a first. Actually I pulling for them to trade back. A impactful player will still be in the mix no matter where they land in the first. Flexibility is key. for this draft.

I agree with you, but, 

we need to be aggressive with our picks

sitting and waiting for BPA , this is a no go

we can work the draft manipulate it by a move in and out of positions

next year comp pics can be used for  trade, 

so this year becomes the new NORM, instead of BPA(still good)

manipulate the draft, this works when you have plenty of pics and a decent team. ,   

[RaineV1]

One thing about trading back early is that it gives us ammunition to trade up from our 2nd round pick. So we could end up with two first round picks, which gives us a shot at someone good that probably won't fall to our 2nd round pick, like Spriggs.

[Clmraven]

I really hate the idea of trading back especially if it's only for a 2nd and maybe a 3rd, the only trade back I'd be happy with would be getting another 2nd and a 2017 1st. 

 

I mean come come on we are never in this position to draft an elite prospect, I'd rather have quality over quantity.

[glen ferguson]

RaineV1,, you hit the nail on the head. I agree with you 100%. If we could come away with Dodd and Spriggs i would be the happiest ravens fan . There's only two players i would take at 6 if available and thats Tunsil or Bucknor. If both are gone i would be all for trading back.

[RaineV1]

14 minutes ago, Clmraven said:

I really hate the idea of trading back especially if it's only for a 2nd and maybe a 3rd, the only trade back I'd be happy with would be getting another 2nd and a 2017 1st. 

 

I mean come come on we are never in this position to draft an elite prospect, I'd rather have quality over quantity.

It depends on how far the trade back is. I'd want something big from the Rams, but if we only trade back to 9, I'd be happy with an extra 2nd round pick, or a 2nd and a midround pick.

[rmw10]

22 minutes ago, Clmraven said:

I really hate the idea of trading back especially if it's only for a 2nd and maybe a 3rd, the only trade back I'd be happy with would be getting another 2nd and a 2017 1st. 

 

I mean come come on we are never in this position to draft an elite prospect, I'd rather have quality over quantity.

The last statement does it for me.  I think there are a clear 5 elite prospects in this draft, and 2 very, very good ones after that.  This is our first chance (and hopefully last) in a very long time to get a top talent.  I'm not a fan of trading back unless we can an absolute ransom.

[Inqui]

4 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

The last statement does it for me.  I think there are a clear 5 elite prospects in this draft, and 2 very, very good ones after that.  This is our first chance (and hopefully last) in a very long time to get a top talent.  I'm not a fan of trading back unless we can an absolute ransom.

This, but I've only got four clear elite prospects - Buckner in my books is the third very, very good one (I think we're on the same page about who the other two are). Realistically, landing any of that seven (eight if Jaylon Smith is cleared) would be a huge coup and provide a rare cornerstone piece for us while we rebuild. That's why I don't really agree with the forum-wide infatuation with trading back.

In terms of having lots of picks we're already in a great spot, and since we're high up in every round we should be able to land a fair few decent players all the way down - so we should be able to add good depth even if we stand still. If we trade back, and miss out on the best chance we've had at a cornerstone piece since Flacco, we'd best be doing it for an eye-popping return.

[rmw10]

4 minutes ago, Inqui said:

This, but I've only got four clear elite prospects - Buckner in my books is the third very, very good one (I think we're on the same page about who the other two are). Realistically, landing any of that seven (eight if Jaylon Smith is cleared) would be a huge coup and provide a rare cornerstone piece for us while we rebuild. That's why I don't really agree with the forum-wide infatuation with trading back.

In terms of having lots of picks we're already in a great spot, and since we're high up in every round we should be able to land a fair few decent players all the way down - so we should be able to add good depth even if we stand still. If we trade back, and miss out on the best chance we've had at a cornerstone piece since Flacco, we'd best be doing it for an eye-popping return.

Echoed my thoughts exactly.  We already have 9 picks, and 7 in the top 4 rounds.  An extra 2nd (not even counting the 3rd because that's where the draft really becomes a crapshoot) isn't worth passing on a potentially elite prospect to me.

[ALPHA]

A really good trade could net us a haul with Spence, Chris Jones, Vernon Butler in the mix

[RaineV1]

20 minutes ago, ALPHA said:

A really good trade could net us a haul with Spence, Chris Jones, Vernon Butler in the mix

Could also end up with something like Lawson, Spriggs, and Vernon Butler, which would greatly improve our play at the line of scrimmage on both sides. Another possibility that comes to mind would be something like Lawson, a late 1st CB (Alexander, Apple, or WJ3), and Michael Thomas. With three picks in the top 40, we could get some great stuff done.

[thieverycorporation]

I am of the impression that there is top notch quality and scheme specific ones for us in rounds 2 thru 4. There is still a lot of age on this roster that will have have to be filtered out in the foreseeable future. Suggs, Dumerville, immediately come to mind. The Salary cap situation maybe even more daunting next year as players salaries have been pushed back and added to. Not saying I know all the facts about it. But I see adding multiple pieces of the same position being viable to get an early assessment and allowing the draft prospect and earlier introduction into the NFL's speed of the game. Every position needs intense competition during OTA's. May the best man win that would be cost effective. Camp and Arrington to name a couple need to be put on notice and now. If you don't shine then you need to go. Time and money is not on your side but drafting at suspect positions. By keeping head scratching Brown leads to believe Ozzie wants to send a strong message that may the best man win and they are willing to draft same position players and let the heard/ flock thin itself out thru OTA's  due to injury, lack of consistency, low football IQ, trade bait, cost effectiveness, poor technique, etc. To me the logical thing to do is gather more picks and pick the first four rounds as thin as possible. And I don't see most positions on the current roster as being set in stone. I mean many. Yanda, Tucker, And Koch are locks.

[jazz1988]

4 hours ago, Clmraven said:

I really hate the idea of trading back especially if it's only for a 2nd and maybe a 3rd, the only trade back I'd be happy with would be getting another 2nd and a 2017 1st. 

 

I mean come come on we are never in this position to draft an elite prospect, I'd rather have quality over quantity.

 I feel the same but I think it only depends on who's going to be there. Top guys such as Ramsey, Bosa, Jack, and Tunsil all seem to be gone by the time The Ravens pick  and they the guys I think The Ravens should have interest in the most. I

 

[gtalk12]

depends on whos still on the board. Would you trade down if Myles Jack, Bosa, or a Ramsey were still available?

 

I'm high on Jack by the way

[BmoreBird22]

Just now, gtalk12 said:

depends on whos still on the board. Would you trade down if Myles Jack, Bosa, or a Ramsey were still available?

 

I'm high on Jack by the way

Uh, how about no...