Baltimore Ravens: Top 6 Targets for First-Round Pick

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The Ravens are in a tough spot with their first-round pick.

Their biggest needs are on the offensive line and wide receiver, but the best players at these positions will likely be gone by the Ravens' selection.

The Ravens might have to settle for a second-tier player if they remain at their current position, but the value could be there to trade up for a falling prospect.

Regardless, the Ravens will be doing their due diligence on all possibilities. They should, though, be able to narrow their decision down to a select group of prospects.

Here are the top six prospects for the Ravens to consider with their first-round pick.

Michael Floyd

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It may be a pipe dream, but the ideal player for the Ravens would be Michael Floyd.

Michael Floyd is my favorite player in the draft. His combination of size, speed and hands makes him a tantalizing prospect, but it's his route running that sets him apart. His route running is the best in the draft, as Floyd runs routes like a savvy veteran.

Floyd would be the perfect compliment to Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin. He has the size and speed to eventually become a No. 1 receiver, but he also has skills that will translate to playing right away.

The Ravens need a jump ball receiver, and they need legitimate production from a third receiver. Floyd offers tremendous route running and ball skills, and he could become a reliable third-down target from the beginning of his career.

This almost certainly won't happen. Floyd will likely be gone well before the Ravens pick. Still, if Floyd is on the board in the mid-20s, the Ravens must consider moving up to get this premier talent at a position of serious need.

Vontaze Burfict

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Unlike Michael Floyd, Vontaze Burfict will likely be available for the Ravens at the end of the first round. He might end up being a consolation prize, but what a consolation prize he would be.

Burfict has the most star potential of any linebacker in the draft this year, and while he is a risky prospect, the Ravens defense would be the perfect destination to rein in his emotion.

Burfict hits hard, is a tremendous athlete and is solid in both run support and coverage. He is intimidating and would be the best possible replacement for Ray Lewis.

Every mock draft has Burfict headed to Baltimore, and for good reason. Burfict and the Ravens were made for each other. With top-15 talent, Burfict would be an excellent addition to the Ravens defense.

Peter Konz

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If Matt Birk retires, center becomes the Ravens biggest need. Regardless, the Ravens will take a long look at the top center prospect in the draft: Peter Konz.

Konz is one of the best blockers in the entire draft. His pass blocking is solid, but it's in the running game that he truly excels. Konz anchored the best one of the best offensive lines in college football, paving the way for Heisman finalist Montee Ball's dynamite season.

This pick would be applauded by both Joe Flacco, who is probably still hurting from the beating he took from Vince Wilfork in the AFC championship game, and Ray Rice, who does most of his work on the inside.

While Konz might not be available for the Ravens, his talent might dictate that the Ravens trade up to solidify the middle of their offensive line.

Dont'a Hightower

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Alabama has produced some of the best defensive prospects of the past few years, as the Ravens well know. After Terrence Cody's solid season, the Ravens could very well dip back into the Alabama talent pool for another defensive prospect in Dont'a Hightower.

Hightower is a monster at 6'4", 260 pounds, and he plays like it. He might not be a solid cover linebacker, but he is a tremendous run defender, and his size and strength would translate well to the Ravens 3-4 defense.

The most impressive facet of Hightower's game is the way he plays downhill, plugging gaps and displaying excellent tackling form. Tackling is a lost art in the NFL, but Hightower displays textbook form, wrapping up and driving his hips.

Hightower will almost certainly be there at the end of the first round for the Ravens, and he could be a worthy successor to Ray Lewis. 

Cordy Glenn

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The cruel reality of the NFL salary cap is that teams are forced to allow their stars to move on, and the Ravens are facing that reality this offseason, with Ben Grubbs likely to relocate.

If Grubbs does move on, the Ravens will likely want to find a replacement either in free agency or the draft. Cordy Glenn would be a worthy replacement, with excellent size and run blocking ability.

Glenn excels at opening holes in the run game, and his pass blocking is also solid. The Ravens power blocking scheme would be ideal for Glenn, so he could be worth a look at the end of the first round.

Nick Perry

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Nick Perry isn't necessarily a household name, but his skill rushing the passer is worth getting to know.

Ozzie Newsome called pass-rusher one of the Ravens' biggest needs, and Perry is an explosive athlete off the edge.

His quickness would be valuable on third down, as the Ravens pass rush faltered in the playoffs. Perry has played against some very good tackles, and he has generally handled them well.

Perry has a nice skill set and would compliment the Ravens' other pass-rushers nicely. He could be worth a look.