With the NFL Draft fast approaching, mock drafts are being released left and right by experts around the league. Over the past few weeks, we’ve featured mocks from experts like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay of ESPN and Luke Easterling of Touchdown Wire, who mocked center Erik McCoy, running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Hakeem Butler to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round, respectively.
We here at Ravens Wire have decided to join in on the fun and throw our hats into the ring, too. Using Fanspeak’s mock draft generator, I put myself in charge of the Ravens war room and ran my own three-round mock draft.
First round, No. 22 overall – A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
While Alabama Josh Jacobs — who has been mocked to the Ravens several times — was arguably the best player available on the board, I think Baltimore has to draft to fit their needs here. By drafting Brown, the Ravens seem to be getting a pretty good shot at landing a long-coveted stud receiver. Though Brown isn’t getting the same hype as Ole Miss teammate D.K. Metcalf — who became a combine phenom after posting an incredible 40-yard dash time — it is Brown who may end up being the better pro. With rock solid hands, great open-field running ability and a sharp route tree, Brown profiles as a consummate NFL receiver.
Third round, No. 85 overall – Erik McCoy, OC, Texas A&M
Though Baltimore had one of the league’s better offensive lines last season — Pro Football Focus graded out the unit as the 10th-best in football for 2018 — the unit is not without its flaws. A particularly noticeable weak spot is at center, where incumbent starter Matt Skura posted a measly 56.5 season grade from Pro Football Focus in 2018. Center woes aside, the team will likely have a vacancy at left guard in the near future with 34-year-old Marshal Yanda entering the twilight of his career. With McCoy — a four-year collegiate starter — having experience at both of those positions, his flexibility could make him a unique and much-needed asset for the Ravens offensive line.
Third round, No. 102 overall – Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
Ideally, Baltimore would spring for a much-needed edge rusher around this point. However, the talent pool at the position was pretty dried up by the time the Ravens are up for the second pick of the round. Isabella, though, isn’t a bad consolation prize. Whereas Brown profiles as a more physical, move-the-chains receiver, Isabella would complement him as an absolute burner from the slot. Though he stands in at only 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, Isabella makes up for it with a blazing 4.31 40-yard dash. In his time at Massachusetts, Isabella proved to be both an adept slot and downfield receiver, and received national attention when he torched Georgia for 219 yards and 2 TDs on 15 receptions last season.
