The Baltimore Ravens selected a quality cornerback in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft: Iman Marshall from USC (No. 127 overall). If Baltimore had less depth at cornerback, it would’ve been a move the Ravens had to make.
But when you factor in Jimmy Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Carr and Tavon Young, Baltimore had enough depth to settle whatever issue they have at this position next year. That’s before even getting to the idea Marshall will likely be toward the bottom of the depth chart for at least the next year or two.
Instead of Marshall, the organization should have drafted inside Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson. Instead, Wilson went to the Cleveland Browns.
Finding an inside linebacker was more of an immediate need given the fact inside linebacker C.J. Mosley left in free agency to the New York Jets.
Don’t get me wrong, the Ravens made the right decision letting Mosley walk. Baltimore couldn’t commit $17 million a season (head and shoulders above what the other top-paid linebackers are making) to Mosley when he has his fair share of struggles in coverage. But the Ravens needed the depth at inside linebacker and would have gotten a highly rated prospect on a rookie salary.
Wilson would have been a solid addition given the fact he can cover tight ends and running backs. In the pass-happy NFL, finding a linebacker who can cover well is a must. But Wilson was also adept at crashing down in run support.
Wilson didn’t need to be a guy who could start right away for the Ravens defense. But he could have been a rotation player at the very least. In the best-case scenario, Wilson would have become a starter to replace Mosley and potentially Patrick Onwuasor, who is on a one-year deal in 2019.
When considering the depth chart, as well as long- and short-term needs, Wilson was a better pick for the Ravens. Instead, they’ll have to face him twice a season.
