[News] Eisenberg: Here's What Will Make Or Break Ravens' 2017 Draft Haul

[BR News]

The second day of draft weekend is where Baltimore can make their rookie class into something special with three selections in a span of 30 picks.

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[MadStorkSociety]

Day 2 will be key. I could see us trading down, or even, right out of the first round and getting more 2nd/3rd round picks. But if we do that, it will be hard to watch some big names go in the first.

Edited April 25 by MadStorkSociety

[ellicottraven]

Let's hope they get really lucky and strike gold on all 3 days! Not likely but neither is it impossible. I'm rooting for lady luck to sneak into the draft room in the shape of Ozzie Newsome!

[ravecapn]

I see us staying put and drafting R. Foster or M. Williams/C. Davis if they are available at 16 (maybe M. Humphreys). If not, we trade back and pick up another 3rd-4th round pick. That'd set us up for a similar situation of last year's 4th round, but on day 2 instead of day 3.

Wouldn't mind an OL early. Keeping Flacco clean and open lanes for our RBs would dramatically improve the offense.

[ravecapn]

Day 2 will be key. I could see us trading down, or even, right out of the first round and getting more 2nd/3rd round picks. But if we do that, it will be hard to watch some big names go in the first.

Agreed, hard to see the big names go, but I think we'd feel more solid about the draft getting more 2nd and 3rd round picks in.

[eze17]

I could see us trading back into the mid-twenties of the 1st for an extra 3rd rounder, then trading one of our 3rd's back further(or even out of the round) for more picks on the third day of the draft. Ozzie and company loves their draft picks.

[bigcatfrank1]

Day 2 will be key. I could see us trading down, or even, right out of the first round and getting more 2nd/3rd round picks. But if we do that, it will be hard to watch some big names go in the first.

You know if the Ravens could manage one of the O-line guys, Robinson-Ramczyk- Bolles- Lamp in the 2nd without changing #47 and getting another 2 or 3, you might be on to something.

Now all 4 of the top OL guys are predicted to go in round 1 in some mocks. They all look to be starting capacity players.

Who knows the Ravens actually have many, many options. Its gonna be interesting. This could shape up to be either a trade up or trade down year! 16 just might not have the caliber of player that convinces the Ravens that value of trading might bring.

DO the Ravens have 18 top players on the big board? cause 15 of them are bound to go and the bottom 3 could be the ones left to choose from. who is that? Ramczyk, Humphry, Ross? when possibly Robinson, McCaffrey and Bolles sit below and still available. That is 5 players left with room to trade down. Interesting very interesting if it shapes up that way.

[Bruce_Almty]

I'd rather see us draft 4 starters and 3 quality backups than 1 starter and cannon fodder.

[eze17]

We need to look if there is a run on QB's, also. Most "experts" are saying no, the talent isn't there this year. But as I recall, it wasn't considered great last year either, but four were picked in the 1st round anyways, including the top two overall...so if teams ahead of us start snaggin' QB's, there's a good possibility that A: A player we really covet will fall to us, or B: one of the teams below us is willing to give up more to get the #16 spot if they feel they can get someone they desire. Should be one of the more interesting drafts, that's for sure.

[The Greek]

i see ozzie trading back and picking up another pick or picks. we either go o-line or pass rusher in the 1st

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

get as many starters as possible with the draft picks.

[#20=DA MAN!!]

I really believe we should wait on the OL, aside from Ogden and Stanley, our 1st Rd Linemen havent been all that great. Our best lineman was a 3rd rounder, the guy that just got that massive payday was a 5th rounder, KO 2nd rounder. So I think we go pass rush only if its not a reach. Because I really do believe our defense will be set for a few years if we can get a stud edge rusher. And with finally a whole offseason of work with Flacco and Perriman, i believe Perriman will become that #1 WR we envisioned when we drafted him. I just really wish we would ease up on the No DV players, because I believe mixon would be that back that the Front Office is looking for.

[sami]

The Ravens have struggles with picks like Maxx, Carl Davis, Jernigan, Crockett, and Brandon Williams? I think those are some pretty good picks.

[robbie29]

One thing is pretty clear- since 2012 the Ravens' MO of waiting until the mid and late rounds to draft a RB definitely has not worked out. I don't know what this year's plan is, but I really hope we don't wait until the 3rd or 4th round (or later) to address the position. If that happens AND we don't sign a legit, healthy veteran back before the preseason then we'll have yet another year of watching a one-dimensional offense that finishes in the bottom third of the league. The numbers don't lie- look at how Flacco & the offense do whenever they have a weak backfield.

[Drinkmore Beer]

If Davis, Williams, Fournette, McCaffrey, and Foster are gone by #16, trade back for an extra pick.

[BoominRaven]

The Ravens have struggles with picks like Maxx, Carl Davis, Jernigan, Crockett, and Brandon Williams? I think those are some pretty good picks.

How??????? Max has made virtually no contribution in two years as a mid second round pick, Carl Davis has made virtually no contribution in two years as a high 3rd round pick, Crockett has a ton of talent but has spent more time in the training room than on the field, and Jernigan had an extremely inconsistent motor and never truly fit our scheme.

[rmcjacket23]

One thing is pretty clear- since 2012 the Ravens' MO of waiting until the mid and late rounds to draft a RB definitely has not worked out. I don't know what this year's plan is, but I really hope we don't wait until the 3rd or 4th round (or later) to address the position. If that happens AND we don't sign a legit, healthy veteran back before the preseason then we'll have yet another year of watching a one-dimensional offense that finishes in the bottom third of the league. The numbers don't lie- look at how Flacco & the offense do whenever they have a weak backfield.

Justin Forsett is literally just another guy in terms of NFL RBs, and he had success here.

The ball carrier has very little to do with our struggles to run the ball.

[GENE2407]

Simple: the first 3 rounds make or break your draft. 95% of your best players are had in those rounds. For some reason, Ozzie is now in love with his multiple 4th and 5th rounders that turn out to be neat kick returners or special teams contributors. 1-3 is now reserved for "safe players" who are academic scholars and go to church 5 times a week.

[Ravensfolyfe]

Just get it right this draft is all i ask.

[SCirish843]

Simple: the first 3 rounds make or break your draft. 95% of your best players are had in those rounds. For some reason, Ozzie is now in love with his multiple 4th and 5th rounders that turn out to be neat kick returners or special teams contributors. 1-3 is now reserved for "safe players" who are academic scholars and go to church 5 times a week.

That's a pretty gratuitous over-simplification of a team. The first 3 rounds make or break your draft because of the resources that go into those picks, but "95% of your best players" don't come from those rounds. The Ravens roster is built like all the others, 80% of starters are rounds 3-5 guys. If you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd and he's not a starter you're setting yourself up to fail as the guaranteed contract on those guys will haunt you. Ozzie, like a lot of GMs, are far more comfortable taking 5 or 6 shots in rounds 3-5 than take 1 shot in rd 1.

[SCirish843]

I think a lot of people confuse the fact that Ozzie letting players go doesn't mean they weren't good picks. Baltimore runs circles around the rest of the league in regards to collecting compensatory picks. Just because a guy signs somewhere else after 3-4 years doesn't mean it wasn't a good pick, it usually means the exact opposite as another team is willing to pay them significantly more than we were. We save money and get a free pick in the same deal. Osemele, Wagner, Jernigan, Kruger, Jones, etc, etc were all good picks.

[SCirish843]

1st round-Barnett if he falls, Reddick if he's there. If not trade back and take Charlton. Wouldn't hate Lamp either.
2nd rd. Pocic
3rd rd- We've got 2 in close proximity (74 & 78) obviously barring somebody dropping far and taking BPA I'd like to see 2 out of Taylor Moten-OG, Chris Wormly-DE, Dujuan Smoot-DE, Raekwon McMillan-ILB, Justin Senior-OT and then 1 out of the group of WR whoever is available out of Zay Jones, Dede Westbrook, Carlos Henderson, and Chris Godwin.

[Bruce_Almty]

Interesting mock draft on ESPN Tue night. Sports writers from each team's city picked the players, Bill Polian and Todd McShay critiqued. They are of the opinion any o-lineman in the 1st round is too soon, and the Ravens best pick is a receiver if no elite pass rusher falls to them. FWIW.

[GENE2407]

  9 hours ago, GENE2407 said:

Simple: the first 3 rounds make or break your draft. 95% of your best players are had in those rounds. For some reason, Ozzie is now in love with his multiple 4th and 5th rounders that turn out to be neat kick returners or special teams contributors. 1-3 is now reserved for "safe players" who are academic scholars and go to church 5 times a week.

That's a pretty gratuitous over-simplification of a team. The first 3 rounds make or break your draft because of the resources that go into those picks, but "95% of your best players" don't come from those rounds. The Ravens roster is built like all the others, 80% of starters are rounds 3-5 guys. If you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd and he's not a starter you're setting yourself up to fail as the guaranteed contract on those guys will haunt you. Ozzie, like a lot of GMs, are far more comfortable taking 5 or 6 shots in rounds 3-5 than take 1 shot in rd 1.

And 98% of them pan out to be nothing. At best, you got Jarret Johnson or Bart Scott. Those guys don't win you championships. Ogden, Lewis, Reed, Suggs, Sharper, McAlister, RRice, Flacco, Heap..........those are the guys who bring home the trophies. Ozzie needs to get over his stupid comp picks and hoarding of junk round picks (4th-7th) and get back to successful top picks. He was the best for 24 years. Since 2010, he's been awful.

[Grapple Raven]

I put my money on Zay Jones! lol

[Halshayeji]

What will make or break this draft is what we do following the draft. We can't address all needs but surely can solidity most 

[rmcjacket23]

  11 hours ago, SCirish843 said:

  12 hours ago, GENE2407 said:

Simple: the first 3 rounds make or break your draft. 95% of your best players are had in those rounds. For some reason, Ozzie is now in love with his multiple 4th and 5th rounders that turn out to be neat kick returners or special teams contributors. 1-3 is now reserved for "safe players" who are academic scholars and go to church 5 times a week.

That's a pretty gratuitous over-simplification of a team. The first 3 rounds make or break your draft because of the resources that go into those picks, but "95% of your best players" don't come from those rounds. The Ravens roster is built like all the others, 80% of starters are rounds 3-5 guys. If you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd and he's not a starter you're setting yourself up to fail as the guaranteed contract on those guys will haunt you. Ozzie, like a lot of GMs, are far more comfortable taking 5 or 6 shots in rounds 3-5 than take 1 shot in rd 1.

And 98% of them pan out to be nothing. At best, you got Jarret Johnson or Bart Scott. Those guys don't win you championships. Ogden, Lewis, Reed, Suggs, Sharper, McAlister, RRice, Flacco, Heap..........those are the guys who bring home the trophies. Ozzie needs to get over his stupid comp picks and hoarding of junk round picks (4th-7th) and get back to successful top picks. He was the best for 24 years. Since 2010, he's been awful.

"Getting over the comp picks" doesn't make any sense, because Ozzie doesn't get to choose his comp picks or what round they're in.

Pretty clear you don't understand how comp picks work. If you did, you'd realize that they come from losing players to FA. The only ways you can start reducing the amount of comp picks you get is by either signing a whole bunch of FAs (which pretty much never leads to Championships), or by resigning your own guys.

If you start nailing 3-4 of your draft picks every year, then its impossible to sign all of them. At best, you'll sign 2, which means you'll be getting comp picks for the rest if they sign large deals.

Where do you think the bulk of those "junk round picks" come from? COMP PICKS.

This ain't rocket science folks. He's not swapping first round picks for like 10 4th rounders.

[billiejean]

  12 hours ago, SCirish843 said:

  13 hours ago, GENE2407 said:

Simple: the first 3 rounds make or break your draft. 95% of your best players are had in those rounds. For some reason, Ozzie is now in love with his multiple 4th and 5th rounders that turn out to be neat kick returners or special teams contributors. 1-3 is now reserved for "safe players" who are academic scholars and go to church 5 times a week.

That's a pretty gratuitous over-simplification of a team. The first 3 rounds make or break your draft because of the resources that go into those picks, but "95% of your best players" don't come from those rounds. The Ravens roster is built like all the others, 80% of starters are rounds 3-5 guys. If you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd and he's not a starter you're setting yourself up to fail as the guaranteed contract on those guys will haunt you. Ozzie, like a lot of GMs, are far more comfortable taking 5 or 6 shots in rounds 3-5 than take 1 shot in rd 1.

And 98% of them pan out to be nothing. At best, you got Jarret Johnson or Bart Scott. Those guys don't win you championships. Ogden, Lewis, Reed, Suggs, Sharper, McAlister, RRice, Flacco, Heap..........those are the guys who bring home the trophies. Ozzie needs to get over his stupid comp picks and hoarding of junk round picks (4th-7th) and get back to successful top picks. He was the best for 24 years. Since 2010, he's been awful.

Your logic is flawed. Basically giving up all of our picks from the 4th through 7th round would mean that we would have to look at UDFAs for depth. Is that really what you want? Youre a guy who continually talks about how bad our depth is in season. And you are probably thinking that we could snap up some veterans cuts to fill back up voids but its also an issue of price. Its much more expensive to bring in a bunch of veterans rather than using draftees. You are also assuming that moving up means you will get a better player. Which is just not true. And why would the FO trade up if the guy that they want is going to be there when its their turn. Really there is nothing about what you have said that is rational. Do you really think that you have invented a draft strategy that increases a teams chances of winning a Superbowl and that there haven't been any GMs or coaches in the history of the NFL that have come up with this key to success?? If so I think you may be overestimating your cognitive abilities when it comes to football. If GMs had thought of it why has it never been implemented? If it was a good strategy why do a total of ZERO teams in the NFL use it? How do you explain the following quote....

"The list of teams that have received the most compensatory picks since 1994 is pretty similar to the list of the best teams in football since 1994: The Ravens have received the most compensatory picks, and they’ve won two Super Bowls. The Packers have received the second-most, and they’ve also won two Super Bowls. The Patriots are fourth, and they’ve won five Super Bowls. The 10 teams that have had the most compensatory picks have won most of the Super Bowls since 1994, with a total of 14 titles for those 10 teams."

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/02/24/compensatory-picks-are-a-reward-for-smart-teams/

[SCirish843]

  20 hours ago, SCirish843 said:

  21 hours ago, GENE2407 said:

Simple: the first 3 rounds make or break your draft. 95% of your best players are had in those rounds. For some reason, Ozzie is now in love with his multiple 4th and 5th rounders that turn out to be neat kick returners or special teams contributors. 1-3 is now reserved for "safe players" who are academic scholars and go to church 5 times a week.

That's a pretty gratuitous over-simplification of a team. The first 3 rounds make or break your draft because of the resources that go into those picks, but "95% of your best players" don't come from those rounds. The Ravens roster is built like all the others, 80% of starters are rounds 3-5 guys. If you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd and he's not a starter you're setting yourself up to fail as the guaranteed contract on those guys will haunt you. Ozzie, like a lot of GMs, are far more comfortable taking 5 or 6 shots in rounds 3-5 than take 1 shot in rd 1.

And 98% of them pan out to be nothing. At best, you got Jarret Johnson or Bart Scott. Those guys don't win you championships. Ogden, Lewis, Reed, Suggs, Sharper, McAlister, RRice, Flacco, Heap..........those are the guys who bring home the trophies. Ozzie needs to get over his stupid comp picks and hoarding of junk round picks (4th-7th) and get back to successful top picks. He was the best for 24 years. Since 2010, he's been awful.

You have no idea what you're talking about. 98% of them don't 'not pan out' just like 95% of 1-3rd rounders make up your team which is another ridiculous claim you made. You realize you have to be bad to draft the guys you named? Ogden-4th overall, Mcallister-10th overall, Ngata-12th overall, Suggs-10th overall, Heap-31st overall(a 1st rd TE might as well be a top 10 pick at CB or DE value wise), Flacco-16th overall. The Ravens have been drafting in the mid-late 20s for the better part of the past 15 years. When we do have top half picks recently Ozzie has nailed those as well (Stanley at 6 and Mosley at 16). Getting HoFers like Lewis and Reed in the 20s is an extreme outlier and for you to assume we should just not draft the bad players and take all the good ones shows you know very little about scouting and development.

[GENE2407]

  On 4/26/2017 at 6:39 AM, GENE2407 said:

  On 4/25/2017 at 9:48 PM, SCirish843 said:

  On 4/25/2017 at 8:38 PM, GENE2407 said:

Simple: the first 3 rounds make or break your draft. 95% of your best players are had in those rounds. For some reason, Ozzie is now in love with his multiple 4th and 5th rounders that turn out to be neat kick returners or special teams contributors. 1-3 is now reserved for "safe players" who are academic scholars and go to church 5 times a week.

That's a pretty gratuitous over-simplification of a team. The first 3 rounds make or break your draft because of the resources that go into those picks, but "95% of your best players" don't come from those rounds. The Ravens roster is built like all the others, 80% of starters are rounds 3-5 guys. If you take a guy in the 1st or 2nd and he's not a starter you're setting yourself up to fail as the guaranteed contract on those guys will haunt you. Ozzie, like a lot of GMs, are far more comfortable taking 5 or 6 shots in rounds 3-5 than take 1 shot in rd 1.

And 98% of them pan out to be nothing. At best, you got Jarret Johnson or Bart Scott. Those guys don't win you championships. Ogden, Lewis, Reed, Suggs, Sharper, McAlister, RRice, Flacco, Heap..........those are the guys who bring home the trophies. Ozzie needs to get over his stupid comp picks and hoarding of junk round picks (4th-7th) and get back to successful top picks. He was the best for 24 years. Since 2010, he's been awful.

You have no idea what you're talking about. 98% of them don't 'not pan out' just like 95% of 1-3rd rounders make up your team which is another ridiculous claim you made. You realize you have to be bad to draft the guys you named? Ogden-4th overall, Mcallister-10th overall, Ngata-12th overall, Suggs-10th overall, Heap-31st overall(a 1st rd TE might as well be a top 10 pick at CB or DE value wise), Flacco-16th overall. The Ravens have been drafting in the mid-late 20s for the better part of the past 15 years. When we do have top half picks recently Ozzie has nailed those as well (Stanley at 6 and Mosley at 16). Getting HoFers like Lewis and Reed in the 20s is an extreme outlier and for you to assume we should just not draft the bad players and take all the good ones shows you know very little about scouting and development.

Buddy I've done the work, you haven't. Go find me all 4th and 5th rounders (in the ENTIRE draft) for the past 6 years. Then find me how many of those players made even a single pro bowl. It's very, very, very low. About 2%. That sucks. You're not finding great players in those rounds, so you better hope and pray we can in the first 3 rounds. This is not just the Ravens, this is everyone. That's all I'm saying.