For a team that has generally excelled at making the most out of its draft choices, you can’t really say the Baltimore Ravens would be in too much trouble if things didn’t necessarily “fall their way” in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a team that predicates its draft strategy on selecting the best available player instead of reaching for a big need.
Still, in an unusual draft that is being done virtually, everyone should expect the unexpected. And there are a few things that could frustrate the normally unflappable Ravens as well as peak fan complaints in the process.
Best players at Ravens’ needs go early
Arguably the most glaring issue on the Ravens is their lack of talent at inside linebacker. With names like Bart Scott, C.J. Mosley, and obviously Ray Lewis lingering in fans’ heads, Baltimore is desperately seeking the heir-apparently to its vaunted lineage. Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray have most often been mocked to the Ravens ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft and if both are gone, it could force Baltimore to alter their plans.
But what would make it truly a nightmare scenario is if there’s a run on wide receivers and pass rushers as well. If there are just quarterbacks, running backs and offensive tackles on the board, everyone is going to be frustrated.
Baltimore can’t trade up or back
The Ravens have had great luck seeing players fall into their laps and there are a few that could reasonably slide to Baltimore in the 2020 NFL Draft. But the Ravens might go crazy if they can’t pull off a trade either forward or backward in the first round if they want.
If someone like Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is still available in the early 20s, it’s easy seeing Baltimore trying to go get him. But a few phone calls in and teams aren’t budging from their draft spots, or they want far too much in return, would anger fans and the front office.
Flip the situation and either have an abundance of great players or no one they love available at No. 28. The Ravens are going to want to trade back, potentially out of the first round entirely. But if every other team is sitting in the same boat and there isn’t that marquee player for a team to move up and grab, Baltimore might be stuck.
For a team that loves to trade, not being able to has to be one of the most frustrating things in existence.
Technical difficulties
Quick Reminder: This draft is being done virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic and necessary precautions to socially distance from one another. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta will be running the ship from his home office.
Yes, it’s 2020. And, yes, technology is better than it’s ever been.
But technology can be a blessing and a curse. And while the NFL has acknowledged extending clock time if technical difficulties arise, there are no guarantees. From glitches like failed internet connections, programming issues, or even external hackers and security problems, there are really unlimited ways the 2020 NFL Draft can get messed up in the moment.
With this being a completely unique draft with unique problems, there might not be an obvious fix in the moment. If something were to happen when the Ravens were on the board at No. 28, it would be a massive problem.
