The 2020 NFL draft is still a few months away but with the Baltimore Ravens already in their offseason, everyone is looking forward. That means scouting the prospects and seeing who might be available when the Ravens are on the clock.
I asked the writers here at Ravens Wire to all run a simulation of the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. While we got a few different answers, it was clear everyone was on board with grabbing impact defensive players in the first round.
Take a look at who everyone took with the No. 28 pick in the 2020 NFL draft and why.
Matthew Stevens: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
First and foremost, I’m not turning down an Oklahoma guy that fits a need given Baltimore’s new predilection towards those players under general manager Eric DeCosta. While a pass rusher is the biggest need by far, I believe Murray can be a three-down inside linebacker and the replacement for C.J. Mosley.
After getting gashed on the ground by the Tennessee Titans in the playoffs, it was clear how much Baltimore missed having a sure-thing at linebacker. After limping through the season with Patrick Onwuasor, Chris Board and Josh Bynes; and with serious question marks at the position entering this offseason, it was a no brainer to fill the spot with an immediate starter in Murray.
Neil Dutton: EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama
It’s no secret the Ravens need to upgrade their pass rush this offseason and drafting Lewis would go some way towards addressing this need.
Lewis is still quite raw as a pass rusher but has long limbs and plenty of bend. He looks like a player who can start as a specialist on obvious passing downs while learning the skills and nuance required to be an all-purpose outside linebacker in Don Martindale’s defense.
Alex Bente: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
I’ve seen this pick for the Ravens in a few mock drafts already and why not, it makes perfect sense. Baltimore suddenly has a desperate need to find the future at inside linebacker, one that was supposed to be occupied by C.J. Mosley until he left for the Jets last offseason. Luckily that move seemed to work out for the Ravens with Mosley spending much of his first season post-big-payday injured and Baltimore filling his shoes on the fly with brilliant free-agent signings.
Nevertheless, it’s time for Charm City to look forward again, and no better place than Oklahoma. Not only has the school become a particularly attractive aisle for the Ravens in the proverbial collegiate grocery store, but Murray’s speed and physicality are exactly the traits Baltimore brass seek in their prospective linebackers, especially those heir-apparent to such a distinguished history.
Kevin Oestreicher: EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
Acquiring a productive pass rusher or two is a priority for Baltimore this offseason and LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson would be a great starting point to fill the need.
Chaisson is a physical freak with tons of athleticism, and has an array of pass rush moves that lets him get to the quarterback with ease. Defensive coordinator Don Martindale loves his exotic blitzes and Chaisson specializes in moving all around the field — rushing off of stunts, delayed blitzes and more. He also can drop back in coverage, something the Ravens experimented with last season with Matthew Judon.
