Eric DeCosta continues to make revamping and building up the defensive front-seven a top priority this offseason for the Baltimore Ravens, selecting Texas Tech DT Broderick Washington with pick No. 170 in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Draft Grade: C
Washington is considered undersized for a defensive tackle but makes up for that with aggressive hands and upper-body power. He does bring a solid work ethic, as well as instincts and leadership qualities with him to the Ravens, something that Baltimore brass both admire and covet.
While this pick certainly adds depth to the defensive line that has gone through a bit of an overhaul, it just doesn’t feel like it addresses a need, which the Ravens haven’t done enough of thus far in this draft. Aside from selecting Patrick Queen in the first round, many of the early picks felt like “best available” choices, having completely ignored their need at edge rusher.
Whether or not Washington becomes a considerable force on the defensive front will take some time to discern. Until then, I’m not sure depth trumps need at this point in the draft.
