Baltimore Ravens Round One Big Board After the NFL Combine

The Baltimore Ravens went to the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine with a big board in place; but after conducting interviews and watching the on-field workouts, that board has changed drastically.

The Ravens’ draft needs are clear: They need a playmaking pass-catcher who can move the chains, depth along a bulkier offensive line and an athletic safety.

Head coach John Harbaugh recently stated that the Ravens would also be looking to add another running back and that the team could carry three or four on the roster in 2014.

At the combine, the Ravens did their due diligence and interviewed the top wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen and running backs in this years draft class.

Each team is allowed 60 formal interviews that last 15 minutes each. During the interviews, coaches and personnel assistants talk to prospects about anything from work ethic to breaking down plays and personal relationships. Many coaches believe that this is the most important aspect of the combine, giving them a unique opportunity to get to know each prospect at a personal level.

Historically, the Ravens are a team that draft value over need, trusting their research and film study. GM Ozzie Newsome and company have a lot of options with the 17th overall pick, including trading down to stockpile picks in one of the deepest drafts in years. However, with so many needs, I expect the Ravens to make a first-round selection, targeting the offensive line or a pass-catcher.

The Ravens typically assemble a big board that has 150 draftable players on it. However, with such a deep draft class this year, that board could increase to nearly 185 players.

Let’s take a look at the Ravens' top 32 players after the NFL Combine.

Rank	Player	Position	School	Year	Height	Weight
1	Jadeveon Clowney	DE	South Carolina	Jr	6'6"	266
2	Greg Robinson	OL	Auburn	rSo	6'5"	332
3	Teddy Bridgewater	QB	Louisville	Jr	6'2"	214
4	Khalil Mack	OLB	Buffalo	rSr	6'3"	251
5	Jake Matthews	OT	Texas A&M	Sr	6'5"	308
6	Sammy Wakins	WR	Clemson	Jr	6'1"	211
7	Anthony Barr	OLB	UCLA	Sr	6'5"	255
8	Mike Evans	WR	Texas A&M	rSo	6'5"	231
9	Taylor Lewan	OL	Michigan	Sr	6'7"	309
10	Eric Ebron	TE	North Carolina	Jr	6'5"	250
11	C.J. Mosley	ILB	Alabama	Sr	6'2"	234
12	Blake Bortles	QB	UCF	rJr	6'5"	232
13	Justin Gilbert	CB	OklahomaState	Sr	6'0"	202
14	Zack Martin	OT	Notre Dame	rSr	6'4"	308
15	Johnny Manziel	QB	Texas A&M	rSo	5'11"	207
16	Kony Ealy	DE	Missouri	rJr	6'4"	273
17	Aaron Donald	DT	Pittsburgh	Sr	6'1"	285
18	Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix	FS	Alabama	Jr	6'1"	208
19	Ryan Shazier	OLB	Ohio State	Jr	6'1"	237
20	Louis Nix III	DT	Notre Dame	rJr	6'2"	331
21	Calvin Pryor	FS	Louisville	Jr	5'11"	207
22	Odell Beckham Jr.	WR	LSU	Jr	5'11"	198
23	David Yankey	OG	Stanford	rJr	6'6"	315
24	Darqueeze Dennard	CB	Michigan State	Sr	5'11"	199
25	Timmy Jernigan	DT	Florida State	Jr	6'2"	299
26	Cyrus Kouandijo	OT	Alabama	Jr	6'7"	322
27	Brandin Cooks	WR	Oregon State	Jr	5'10"	189
28	Dee Ford	DE	Auburn	rSr	6'2"	252
29	Jordan Matthews	WR	Vanderbilt	Sr	6'3"	212
30	Ra'Shede Hagerman	DT	Minnesota	rSr	6'6"	310
31	Jace Amaro	TE	Texas Tech	Jr	6'5"	265
32	Jason Verrett	CB	TCU	Sr	5'9"	189

The Ravens' big board is never a finished product. Board adjustments are made right up until the final pick in the draft. What makes the Ravens so successful on draft day is the notion of drafting value over need. However, this is a delicate process. If Teddy Bridgewater is available at pick No. 17, the Ravens will not pick him, even if he is the highest-rated player on their board. If this were to happen, the Ravens brass would explore all options, including either trading the pick or adjusting their board.

Let's take a look at players who provide excellent value for the Ravens if they are available at the 17th pick.

Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Evans had one of the best combines of any player invited. He proved he was fast enough, running a 4.5 40-yard dash, and displayed great hands in all drills. Evans is a mismatch nightmare and would be an excellent complement to Torrey Smith.

Evans not only provides great value, but also fills a huge need at wide receiver. if he is available at 17, expect the Ravens to sprint to the podium. 

Zack Martin, OL, Notre Dame 

What makes Martin a unique prospect is his versatility. Martin can play multiple positions on the offensive front and can come in and contribute immediately. Depending on the health of Kelechi Osemele, who is coming off season-ending back surgery, Martin can play right tackle or left guard.

Martin gave up only one sack in his final two seasons at Notre Dame, and while he doesn't possess ideal length, he is one of the most NFL-ready linemen in the draft.

Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

Ebron is the unanimous top tight end in the 2014 draft class. After running a 4.6 40-yard dash, second fastest among tight ends, Ebron solidified himself as a top-20 pick. Grabbing the top TE in the draft would provide tremendous value to the Ravens with the 17th pick.

The Ravens signed tight end Dennis Pitta to a long-term contract this offseason, as reported by Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, and pairing him with the explosive Ebron would provide QB Joe Flacco with enough weapons to replicate the 2012 season. 

The Big Board above is based upon my own film study, research and media reports. For more Ravens draft information, you can follow me on twitter @Josh_Aronson8