Baltimore Ravens Draft Blitz: Fifth Round
The Ravens have so many needs that they can not cover them in just four rounds. Luckily the Ravens have plenty of picks and will likely trade down for more. This piece is the fifth installment of the Baltimore Ravens Draft Blitz series where we analyze round by round who the Ravens could and should take.
In the first round we said the Ravens should draft offensive lineman Forrest Lamp.
In the second round we said the Ravens should draft wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
In the third round we said the Ravens should draft Ryan Anderson and Sydney Jones.
In the fourth round we said the Ravens should draft Dawuane Smoot.
Ravens Team Needs
The Ravens still have needs left over from the previous four rounds. Though the Lamp pick helps bolster the offensive line, the team could still use a replacement right tackle. Drafting the physical receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster added an offensive weapon outside for Joe Flacco to throw to. A running back would be a wise addition considering the question marks in the back rotation.
Defensively, Baltimore got their playmaker in the secondary with Sidney Jones, but they could use insurance. They got their heir to Terrell Suggs, the main edge rusher, with Ryan Anderson. Baltimore added Dawuane Smoot in our fourth round to bolster their week pass rush. Also, after Zach Orr’s retirement, a hole has presumably opened up for one lucky draft pick next to C.J. Mosley at inside linebacker.
Player Fits
Though undersized, Miami’s Corn Elder has the instincts and reactive quickness to find his way to the football. Elder is a versatile corner who could handle slot duties if size relegated him to that. Elder’s lack of size could hurt his draft stock, but is talented and tough enough to make a big impact for whoever drafts him.
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Donnell Pumphrey comes from San Diego State University. Pumphrey’s draft stock has been hurt because of his relatively small size. That is not fooling us here though. Pumphrey is considered by the cover32 Ravens staff to be flat out underrated. Pumphrey excelled in a zone running scheme in college, similar to the Raven’s scheme, and is even the all-time NCAA leader in rushing. He is more than talented enough to come to Baltimore and make an impact from day one. He would provide another back in the rotation and would start on special teams.
Michigan’s Ben Gedeon excelled in his final year with the Wolverines in 2016, earning second-team All-Big Ten notice after leading the squad with 106 tackles. Scouts believe he will be a solid backup in the NFL while contributing heavily in special teams. He would add depth at inside linebacker and would get a starting shot next to C.J. Mosley.
The Best Pick
Miami’s Corn Elder will be the best pick here in the fifth round. Elder would provide the backup playmaker the Ravens need if Sidney Jones does not work out. Elder’s football ability should make up for his small stature.
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