Baltimore Ravens Mock Draft: Picking Every Round for Need Only

No team can draft based only on need, this or any year, and that includes the Baltimore Ravens. In fact, general manager Ozzie Newsome said today that the team wouldn't be focusing on need all that much, preferring instead to snag the best player available at each pick.

Eric DeCosta, the team's director of player personnel, contradicted that statement, however, saying this draft would be all about depth for the Ravens, indicating that need-based picks will be common this year.

So, indeed, it would seem that needs will be balanced by the best-player philosophy. But for this seven-round mock draft exercise, I will be selecting players for the Ravens based on need alone—all eight picks' worth.

Round 1, Pick 29: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

There was a moment where it seemed like the Baltimore Ravens could miss out on drafting Peter Konz, who can play guard in the present and center when Matt Birk retires, after the Green Bay Packers lost Scott Wells to free agency. But now that the Packers have added Jeff Saturday at center, the Ravens should be able to get Konz.

Center is a huge area of need for the Ravens this year, as is almost every position on offensive line. Konz should be a quick study, and his versatility makes him worth Baltimore's first-round pick.

Round 2, Pick 60: Ronnell Lewis, OLB/DE, Oklahoma

While Paul Kruger is the heir apparent to take over for the lost-to-free agency Jarret Johnson, he isn't developed enough to hold the full-time starter position alongside Terrell Suggs. Ronnell Lewis, a versatile defensive end/outside linebacker, would be perfect to split time with Kruger or potentially command the starting spot.

Lewis has Johnson's run-stopping abilities but adds pass-rushing skill into the mix as well. He'd be perfect for the Ravens' linebacking corps.

Round 3, Pick 91: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

Sure, Ryan Broyles is small, but he's a near-perfect route-runner, rarely drops passes and is tougher than his size. He tore his ACL in November and wasn't able to work out at the combine, which could turn the Ravens—and other teams—off from grabbing him this high.

That may be the case, but Broyles could work well immediately as a possession receiver for the Ravens. If they don't look at Broyles here, I still expect Baltimore to select a receiver in the third round. 

Round 4, Pick 130 (Compensatory): Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh

Remember what DeCosta said about this being a depth draft for the Ravens, and depth on offensive line is something the team sorely needs. Thus, I have them going with Pittsburgh offensive guard Lucas Nix in Round 4.

If the team can nab Konz in the first round, ostensibly to start him at guard this year, they'll eventually plan to move him to center. Nix can be moved into the rotation this season and eventually start in the future. That should also help him improve his technique.

Round 5, Pick 164: Janzen Jackson, FS, McNeese State

Janzen Jackson had off-field issues that saw him dismissed from Tennessee, which is why he wound up at McNeese State, but this is one instance I think the Ravens should ignore the red flags and make a move to add him.

Though Jackson may never be Ed Reed's replacement, the team lost two safeties—Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski—to free agency this year. Both men represented not only depth but were also important on kick and punt coverage. He could fit both bills this year and could also contribute as a cornerback or at the nickel position.

Round 5, Pick 169 (Compensatory): Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky

Bobby Rainey is small and quick but has lots of miles under his belt already, as he was practically the whole of Western Kentucky's offense. That does enough to remind one of Ravens starter Ray Rice, but he does lack Rice's toughness. However, the wear on him shouldn't matter all that much as a backup, change-of-pace runner for the Ravens.

Round 6, Pick 198: Micah Pellerin, CB, Hampton

Micah Pellerin displayed the size and physicality to cover talented receivers. but his small-school background and need for development will push him to the later rounds. This is a good spot for the Ravens to pick up a talent worth grooming. Pellerin does well in both zone and man coverage; if the Ravens think he can contribute on special teams, this is a depth add worth making.

Round 7, Pick 236: Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas

Jerry Franklin was a major combine snub, but he performed well at his pro day, averaging around 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He's got solid coverage skills and could provide depth, but, if he should shine in camp, he could earn himself situational playing time.

Ravens brass said they were looking for some developmental depth at pass rush, specifically at SAM backer, which is what Franklin provides at a low risk. 

Follow @FBALL_Andrea