4 Combine Studs Baltimore Ravens Must Have on Their Short List

The Baltimore Ravens are in the critical part of the offseason as they evaluate both free agents and NFL draft hopefuls alike.

Free agency begins in early March, while the draft isn't until late April. However, a key step in the draft process came this week in the form of the NFL Scouting Combine.

Here, 300 of the best draft prospects were in Indianapolis to go through a series of body measurements, health checkups and on-field drills that were based on their specific positions.

While this doesn't typically make or break a prospect's chances of being drafted, it can affect his stock and help solidify positioning in the upcoming draft.

For this article, we're taking a look at the four players who boosted their stock this week to the point that Baltimore should have these guys on its first-round big board for this April's draft.

These four prospects had an outstanding week of on-field workouts in addition to recording great measurables that will make them even harder to pass up on if they're still on the board when the Ravens are picking in the first round.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all measurements and drill results are courtesy of NFL.com. 

Kevin White

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One of the top wide receivers in this year's NFL draft only solidified that status with his performance at the combine.

West Virginia's Kevin White entered the week as a consensus top-three wide receiver prospect and perhaps someone the Ravens could have on their radar.

The 6'3", 215-pound White was a stud during workouts and drills, recording a 4.35-second 40-yard dash while bench-pressing 225 pounds 23 times.

Both were among the best of any wide receiver, and they only confirm what kind of wideout White is: one who can go up and muscle the ball away from defenders or beat them deep with his elite speed.

This past year, White recorded 109 catches for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season at West Virginia.

He is arguably the most complete receiver in this class, and White should absolutely be at or near the top of Baltimore's draft board at pick No. 26.

Melvin Gordon

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Baltimore will be in the market for a new running back if starter Justin Forsett leaves in free agency. In 2014, Forsett was fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (1,266) to go along with eight scores as he carried the Ravens offense throughout the year.

If he leaves as a free agent, the Ravens will need to add a running back early in this year's NFL draft. Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon is easily the best running back prospect in this year's draft, and there's a good chance that he'll be on the board when the Ravens are selecting at pick No. 26.

This past season, Gordon gained 2,587 rushing yards, second in FBS history to the 2,628-yard record held by Barry Sanders since 1988. Gordon also scored 49 times in his career, and he managed to solidify his stock with a good showing at the scouting combine.

The 6'1", 215-pound Gordon, meanwhile, was timed at 4.52 and 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash. According to NFL.com, Gordon’s best time was the fifth best among all backs. He benched 225 pounds 19 times, which was also among the best by a back.

If the Ravens draft Gordon, he would easily become the No. 1 running back on the team and help make this offense elite in 2015.

Jaelen Strong

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Another receiver who put on a show during the scouting combine was Arizona State's Jaelen Strong, and he's another guy Baltimore should keep its eye on in the first round. 

In 2013, the 6'2", 213-pound Strong caught 75 passes for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns. Last season, Strong grabbed 82 passes for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns.

At the combine, Strong gave scouts a glimpse into what makes him a great receiver, recording a 4.44-second 40-yard-dash time to go with an eye-opening 42-inch vertical leap.

He's a freak of an athlete, and Strong will definitely have the attention of receiver-needy teams like the Ravens in the first round of this year's draft.

Phillip Dorsett

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If Baltimore wants to add a speed-burner at wide receiver this year, Miami's Phillip Dorsett may be the guy to watch out for in the draft.

The 5'10", 185-pound Dorsett has the ability to smoke defenders with his blazing speed, and he even claims that he can run the 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds, according to Newsday.

White wasn't quite that fast at the combine, but his 4.33-second 40-yard time was still among the best at his position.

He's easily one of the fastest players, if not the fastest player, in this year's draft, and his ability to stretch the field with Joe Flacco's rocket arm makes him a potentially great fit for Baltimore.