Ravens Mock from Lost in Translation....
Ravens Mock
Round 1: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Ahh Davis. My favorite defensive prospect in the draft. What is there to be said about Davis that hasn’t. I just want to call everyone out. I’ve been on his hype train since September. Anyone who’s been in touch with me knows that. To call him just a NT is a flat out lie. He played NT cuz his skillset was the closest. But he does everything. To me there’s absolutely ZERO concerns for his pass rush. His bull rush is legit and at his size and with his athleticism and flexibility he will get to the QB. One man collapse the pocket. Davis has been my guy for months, I couldn’t make a mock where we didn’t take him first. At worst, he is going to force a lot of third and longs and let Oweh, Paschal, and Madubuike go to work. Did people forget that the secondary still has Marlon and Peters, and now Marcus Williams too? Good luck to everyone. I think Davis turns into the day 1 starter a 3T, but in actuality he can play literally everywhere(and did at GA).
Round 2: Josh Paschal, Edge, Kentucky
Versatile edge defender. Paschal was recently taken first round in Brett Kollman’s by us. I don’t think he’s that good but all the things in his most recent mock special hold true. He can do everything you ask of him. Really explosive athlete. Really smart player. In a lot of ways, he’s the perfect compliment to Odafe Oweh moving forward. Most of all, he’s tenacious and plays like a Raven. It’s going to be interesting to see how MM uses him moving forward. Not much to say on him, the tape speaks for itself.
Round Three: Phidarian Mathis, IDL, Alabama
For all the talk the Ravens fans are having about the secondary being a massive need, I encourage everyone to look at the depth chart and go straight to the defensive line. All three starters are super injury prone, Madubuike is good but unproven, and Washington is a depth player at best. We are in DESPERATE need of more DL, moreso than even the secondary(Washington will likely play slot CB, Stephens will play everywhere, and for depth purposes I will be selecting two more CBs). Mathis, to me, is the last good DT before you get into either the high ceiling low floor types, or the inverse. In many ways, he’s the most “Ravens” defensive player in this whole draft, and not just because of the Alabama connection. His two gapping abilities are truly fantastic, meaning that he’s going to contribute immediately in the run game, and he’s also not a liability as a pass rusher. He’s not a great athlete, meaning that he’s not likely to be a great pass rusher(hence why I have him going in
Round 3 as a likely fall candidate) but he’s more than good enough. Think A’Shawn Robinson. An oversized 5-technique who can ruin the day of a good offensive coordinator by forcing tons of third-and longs, while also being a competent pass rusher. He’s never going to be a sexy guy, but this is the kind of player who has a long career and makes a great living. At worst he’s going to play all three positions on the DL for us, and be a [profanity deleted] NT if pierce gets hurt again. Also, note to NFL offenses. Have fun dealing with 350 pound Jordan Davis and a 320 pound Mathis. With Paschal and Oweh on the edges. Oh, Madubuike is a freak too. Enjoy.
Round Three(Comp): Cade Otton. TE, Washington
I feel like Otton is a really good player that no one ever talks about. Otton is a great run blocker who actually has some good upside as a receiver. There’s not much else to say about him. I originally had us going Kyle Phillips here but I don’t think he falls to round three. Boyle needs to go, and Oliver sucks. I get it, Mark Andrews is the best TE in the league. He’s an absolute stud. But Otton allows this team to go back to being the power heavy team while having a quality receiving option.
Round Four: Damone Clark, ILB, LSU
Damone Clark getting injured sucks for him, but is a blessing in disguise for us. Clark is a very good, and very smart MIKE LB prospect who also happens to be a great athlete. He’s the perfect compliment for Patrick Queen and is getting drafted by the ideal situation. With Bynes coming back for another year, Clark can effectively red shirt with no difficulty and learn from two good players. With Queen continuing to come into his own, it makes too much sense.
Round Four: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinatti
Aside from being named after a basketball legend. Coby Bryant is everything you want in a #2 outside CB. He’s smart, got solid instincts, is a good athlete, and is experienced in NFL type coverages. He can handle lots of cover 2. Which is what’s probably inevitable for us. I don’t see CB as the major need because both Brandon Stephens and A’darius Washington will be playing a lot of nickel for us, but Bryant gives us some much needed depth.
Round Four: Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama
Do we ever want to see old-ass Freeman or Bell again? No. Brian Robinson is a 3 down RB at the NFL level who isn’t sexy, but fits well for one reason and one reason alone. He’s a great pass protector on third downs and a competent, but not great receiver. As a runner? Great in-between the tackles guy who fits the gap scheme like a glove. I don’t need a great complimentary back. I need another hammer who’s going to tire defenses out by the end of the first half. Robinson is great at that.
Round Four: Jermaine Waller, CB, VT
Waller is interesting because he has a lot to work on but also has a lot to work with. Very raw in certain aspects of coverage but also good enough to not suck. Phantom IR candidate who has the chance to be a player 2-3 years from now.
Round Four: Austin Deculus, OT, LSU
Deculus is not sexy, but he’s the prototype backup OT. We've sorely missed that the past couple of seasons, and while you have Mekari and Ju’wan James as good backups, it wouldn’t hurt getting a dude like Deculus. While it seems crazy that we aren’t taking interior OL.. We have tons of players there. I am content with Mekari and his backup at C. I like Cleveland. Zeitler is a stud.
Round Six: Matt Araiza, P, SDSU
Sam Koch has sadly aged out of starting duties every day. Araiza is the punt god for a reason. Koch needs to retire. Sorry.
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Best regards,
David (Lost in Translation)
