Baltimore Ravens' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future

The Baltimore Ravens are the poster child of how a great NFL team can be built primarily through the draft.

Baltimore has routinely hit home runs in the first round of the draft, but it has also added some nice steals in the latter rounds.

The Ravens need to hit it big again in this year's draft to address the needs that have arisen. The losses of Torrey Smith, Pernell McPhee, Owen Daniels, Haloti Ngata and others have Baltimore in need of a strong draft just to ensure they're a playoff team again in 2015. 

Who will Baltimore get that impacts the team this year and/or in the future? Here's a look at the Ravens' top needs heading into the draft, as well as which prospects could fill those needs.

Cornerback

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The Ravens may very well have won the Super Bowl last season if not for their weakness at cornerback.

Injuries were the primary culprit, and they began in training camp with Lardarius Webb's back injury. That sidelined him for three games and kept him from regaining his starting spot until a month into the season.

While he was out, Asa Jackson and Jimmy Smith developed into a solid duo at corner. Smith was even playing at a Pro Bowl level, but things began to take a turn for the worse.

Jackson would suffer a knee injury that cost him nine games in 2014. Smith suffered a season-ending foot injury that caused him to miss the final eight games. 

From there, Baltimore just didn't have the depth to sustain those injuries, and the position became a glaring weakness as the season wore on.

The Ravens must draft at least one corner in this year's draft to add depth behind what they hope will be a healthy Webb, Jackson and Smith.

Those three are a good top three, but not having any depth behind them could prove costly again if injuries arise.

LSU CB Jalen Collins

If Baltimore chooses to add a corner in the first or second round, Jalen Collins will be someone to watch for. The 6'1", 203-pounder out of LSU was often charged with covering the opponents' No. 1 receivers in the SEC, and he more than often did an adequate job of doing so. 

That's because Collins has a nice combination of height, weight and speed (4.48 40-yard dash), which allows him to cover most types of wideouts.

However, Collins recently underwent foot surgery, which may keep him from being a first-round pick. The Ravens may consider him in Round 1, but they probably would be better off waiting to get Collins in Round 2.

Baltimore does have interest in Collins, as they've already set up a visit with him, according to Kristian Garic of WWL 870 in New Orleans. 

TCU CB Kevin White

If the Ravens wait until the middle rounds of the draft, TCU's Kevin White is a guy to watch for. He is one of the draft's most complete corners, as he's both solid in coverage and a good run defender.

This past season, White led the Horned Frogs with 11 pass breakups and 13 pass deflections to go with 51 tackles and two interceptions. White is projected as a fourth- or fifth-round pick by CBS Sports, so he's someone Baltimore could look at in the latter rounds. 

He'd probably go higher in this year's draft if not for his 5'9", 183-pound frame, which brings about concerns of him being able to stay durable in the NFL.

With a year in an NFL weight room, White should develop into a solid NFL corner, perhaps even one that could start for Baltimore. 

Louisville CB Charles Gaines

Another quality undersized corner Baltimore could target in the latter rounds is Charles Gaines. The 5'10", 180-pound Gaines had seven interceptions and 17 pass deflections over the past two seasons in college.

He's another corner who may need a year to bulk up and adjust to the NFL game, but he should develop into a solid contributor. 

CBS Sports projects Gaines to be drafted around the fourth or fifth round. He'll be another corner for the Ravens to watch out for on Day 3. 

Safety

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The Ravens entered 2014 with a lot of questions surrounding both safety positions. Unfortunately, that's the case again in 2015.

Matt Elam was drafted in the first round of the 2013 draft to be the future at strong safety. He's been unable to lock that spot down, and he was effectively benched in favor of Will Hill last year.

As for the other spot, Darian Stewart was a quality free safety. However, he left to sign with Denver this offseason. 

In order to replace him, Baltimore signed Kendrick Lewis this offseason. He was a full-time starter in Houston last year, and he'll fight for a starting spot in Baltimore this year.

While both safety positions aren't solidified, this isn't an area that should be addressed until the middle to late rounds.

Alabama SS Landon Collins

If the Ravens want to address safety in the first round, Alabama's Landon Collins is the top prospect at that position in this year's draft.

The 6'0", 228-pound Collins played both safety spots during his three years of college. He led Alabama with 103 tackles, three picks and 10 pass defenses this past season, and he was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation's top defensive back. 

Collins is the kind of prospect you could add to Baltimore's already strong defense, and he'd become an instant impact player his rookie year. 

Louisville FS Gerod Holliman

The Ravens want to add a ball-hawking safety in the mold of Ed Reed. Gerod Holliman was one of the best college football has ever seen at forcing turnovers.

The 6'0", 218-pound Holliman led the nation with 14 interceptions this past year. That tied the single-season FBS record, and he also deflected 17 passes. 

Holliman is projected by CBS Sports as a fifth- or sixth-round pick, so Baltimore could get him without spending a high draft pick. 

Utah FS Eric Rowe

If the Ravens take a late-round flier on a developmental safety, Eric Rowe will be a guy to watch out for. 

Rowe spent the majority of his college career at safety before switching to corner this past season. He went on to record one interception and deflect 13 passes. 

He has good size, measuring in at 6'1" and 205 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds. According to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, the Ravens previously set up a visit with Rowe, so there's some level of interest between both sides. 

Defensive Line

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Going into last season, the defensive line was the strength of the Ravens. It's still good going into the 2015 season, but the lack of depth puts this position in need of being solidified in the draft.

The Ravens traded All-Pro lineman Haloti Ngata this offseason to the Lions after a contract dispute. He could play all three spots on the line at a high level, so not having him is a huge loss.

The Ravens probably won't spend a high draft pick on a defensive lineman, but there are several middle-to-late-round guys they could target. 

Starting defensive end Chris Canty was cut and later re-signed this offseason, but the 32-year-old's replacement needs to be found soon, possibly in this year's draft. 

Stanford DL Henry Anderson

The Ravens like having versatile lineman that can start at multiple spots along their 3-4 defensive line. Stanford's Henry Anderson played mostly defensive end in college, but the 6'6", 294-pounder may be able to play some outside linebacker in the NFL.

After all, Anderson was the Cardinal's best pass-rusher this past season, racking up a team-high 8.5 sacks to go with 12.5 tackles for loss. 

Anderson should be someone the Ravens can target on Day 2 or 3 and develop into a quality NFL lineman. 

Clemson DL Corey Crawford

Another defensive end to watch for in the latter rounds could be Clemson's Corey Crawford. The 6'5", 283-pound Crawford is more a of a run-stuffer than Anderson, so it all depends on whether or not the Ravens want to go that route. 

Crawford accounted for 23.5 tackles for loss and 103 total tackles over the past three seasons for the Tigers. He's projected as a fourth- or fifth-round prospect by CBS Sports. 

Crawford might be a guy Baltimore spends a Day 3 pick on in hopes he can develop into a possible replacement for Canty in the near future. 

Return Man

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The Ravens are in need of a new return man after cutting Jacoby Jones this offseason. 

In 44 games with Baltimore, Jones averaged 30.1 yards per kickoff return, which also ranked No. 1 in team history. He averaged 9.9 yards per punt return and had a 63-yard score in 2012.

Jones averaged 30.6 yards per kickoff return and returned one for a score last year, but he fumbled four times and lost two. 

He wasn't the reliable return man Baltimore had counted on in previous seasons, so they cut him this offseason, even though no clear replacement is on the roster. 

Missouri RB Marcus Murphy

The Ravens may draft a returner from a variety of positions. If they want a return man who's a running back, Marcus Murphy has been one of the most dynamic players in the SEC over the past two seasons. 

The 5'8", 193-pounder finished his college career with 2,837 punt and kickoff return yards and seven touchdowns scored via kickoffs (five) and punts (two).

Murphy also rushed for 1,525 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 39 passes for 291 yards and two scores over the past two years.

He might be the best return man in the draft, and he's someone that could be of great benefit to the Ravens. 

Miami RB Duke Johnson

Another running back who could become a good NFL return man may be Miami's Duke Johnson. Though he spent the past season focusing on playing offense, he got a lot of run on special teams as a freshman. 

In 2012, Johnson averaged 33 yards per kickoff return while scoring two touchdowns as a freshman. He was also electrifying on offense, rushing for 1,652 yards and 10 scores.

Johnson would be a big addition to the Ravens as an overall player, but his impact on special teams might be his biggest contribution as a rookie. 

West Virginia WR Mario Alford

The fastest player in this year's draft might just be Mountaineers receiver Mario Alford.

NFL.com's Bryan Fischer reported that NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt clocked him running a 4.27 40-yard dash at his pro day. For perspective, UAB wide receiver J.J. Nelson's 4.28 40-yard dash was the fastest time recorded at this year's scouting combine.

Alford's speed was evident on the football field as well, as he averaged 28.6 yards per kickoff return this past year to go with two scores. 

CBS Sports projects Alford as a sixth- or seventh-round pick, so he's someone the Ravens could wait until late in the draft to take. 

Tight End

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Tight end is a big question mark heading into the draft. A big reason why is Owen Daniels leaving to sign with Denver this offseason.

He became the full-time stater last year when Dennis Pitta went down with a season-ending hip injury.
If Pitta can recover, he'll be the No. 1 tight end in 2015. However, there is a chance that the injury will force him to retire, and the Ravens won't know the final decision on his status until the summer.

Crockett Gillmore showed flashes of potential as a rookie last year, but can he be counted on to be the No. 1 tight end if Pitta can't play?

That's why the Ravens will likely draft one this year, and there are several quality options.

Minnesota TE Maxx Williams

The best tight end in this year's draft is Minnesota's Maxx Williams. CBS Sports projects him as a possible first-round pick, making him the only tight end with that designation this year. 

The 6'4", 249-pound Williams led the Gophers in receptions (36), yards (569) and receiving touchdowns (8) this past season.

He was also a finalist for the 2014 John Mackey Award, which honors the nation's top tight end. If the Ravens add a tight end early in this year's draft, Williams will be at or near the top of their big board.

Miami TE Clive Walford

Walford and Williams are regarded as the top tight end prospects, and Baltimore met with both of them at the scouting combine. 

While Williams has a slight edge in terms of their overall potentials, going after Walford later in the draft might be a better option for the Ravens. 

The 6'4", 251-pound Walford grabbed a team-high 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior this past season. 

If Baltimore passes on Williams in Round 1, it could go after Walford in the latter rounds. 

Ohio State TE Jeff Heuerman

If the Ravens wait until late in Day 2 or even into Day 3 to draft a tight end, Ohio State's Jeff Heuerman will be a name to watch for. 

The Buckeyes tight end caught 26 balls for 466 yards (17.9 average) and four scores his junior year, but injuries and quarterback changes plagued his senior campaign.

Heuerman suffered a broken foot during spring practice this past season, and he went on to have just seven receptions for 207 yards and two touchdowns in 2014. 

That's why he's projected to be drafted near the end of the third round by CBS Sports. The Ravens might be smart to wait until then to target a guy like Heuerman, who could turn out to be a nice value pick if he plays like he did his junior season.  

Wide Receiver

The biggest need for Baltimore heading into the draft is at wide receiver. The biggest reason why is the departure of Torrey Smith this offseason.

He left to sign with San Francisco in free agency, and he was the Ravens' top pass-catcher in each of the past three seasons. The Ravens also cut Jacoby Jones before free agency began. 

He may not have been as big an offensive weapon as Smith, but Jones did catch 76 passes for 992 yards and three touchdowns over the past three seasons.

With those two gone, Steve Smith Sr., Michael Campanaro, Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown are the projected top four receivers. 

Smith caught 79 passes for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns this past season, but the latter three players combined for just 55 catches for 624 yards and four scores.

Not having reliable options after Smith Sr. is why the Ravens will draft a receiver early in this year's draft. 

Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong

If Baltimore drafts a receiver in Round 1, Arizona State's Jaelen Strong may be the best one on the board. 

In 2014, the 6'2", 217-pound Strong had 82 receptions for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he gave scouts a glimpse of what makes him a great receiver with a 4.44-second 40-yard dash to go with a 42-inch vertical leap.

Strong can beat defenders in a variety of ways, whether it's deep, over the middle or for a contested jump ball. Those kinds of skills speak to how athletic he is. 

The Ravens would be hitting a home run if they nabbed Strong in the first round. 

Miami WR Phillip Dorsett

If the Ravens want to add a speed-burner at wide receiver, Miami's Phillip Dorsett may be the guy to watch out for.

The 5'10", 185-pound Dorsett has the ability to blow by defenders with his blazing speed. His 4.33-second 40-yard time at the scouting combine was among the best at his position.

Dorsett finished his college career with 108 catches for 1,860 yards (17.2 average) and 15 scores. 

Ten of his 36 receptions this past season went for scores, and Dorsett also averaged 24.2 yards per catch in 2014.

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—combined with Joe Flacco's rocket arm—is exactly what Baltimore needs to replace Torrey Smith. 

Georgia WR Chris Conley

In order to secure the services of the two aforementioned receivers, Baltimore will have to use high picks. The Ravens should look to add another receiver in the latter rounds, and Georgia's Chris Conley would be a solid pickup on Day 3.

The 6'2", 213-pound Conley put on a show at the scouring combine this past week, posting a vertical jump of 45 inches and a broad jump of 11'7".

Those were the best marks ever recorded for a receiver at the combine, per ProFootballTalk's Michael David Smith. While he may be a freak of an athlete, his college production left a lot to be desired. 

Conley played in a run-heavy Georgia offense this past year while battling a shoulder injury all season long. Those factors led to Conley catching just 36 passes for 657 yards, but he was a nice red-zone threat, hauling in eight scores.

He might not be a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver, but Conley could become a quality contributor for a receiver-needy team like the Ravens.