The Baltimore Ravens have made a couple of acquisitions this offseason, and it appears as though they will be able to fill some of these roster holes before the 2016 NFL Draft. First off, we have veteran safety Eric Weddle (formerly of the San Diego Chargers), who was just signed to a four-year deal. Weddle will provide an instant upgrade in secondary play. Next up is wide receiver and former Miami Dolphin Mike Wallace. He is not even close to his prime anymore, but he is still an effective and productive member of any secondary.
The Ravens pass rush has aged and is in dire need for some new blood. With so many quality pass rushers in this draft, the Ravens should be able to land several talented defensive linemen in this draft. The Ravens will likely have to focus on DeForest Buckner, Shaq Lawson and Noah Spence as the edge rushers they would be interested in since Joey Bosa will likely be gone. The team will likely target Buckner, as he fits the bill for what the prototypical Ravens pass rusher would be.
By eliminating their need at wide receiver by signing Wallace, the Baltimore Ravens should now be able to focus on two of their key needs in the first three rounds. The Ravens need a solid offensive line most of all, and the loss of the productive offensive guard Kelechi Osemele will certainly not help things.
The Ravens also have a lot of needs along the offensive line, and they could be looking at Ronnie Stanley or Taylor Decker to help protect Joe Flacco. This offensive line could use a top prospect to help keep the Ravens running attack consistent and keep Flacco upright. Lastly, the Ravens need a shutdown cornerback in the worst way.
Baltimore can upgrade its secondary immediately by selecting Mackensie Alexander or Vernon Hargreaves III, the two top picks at the cornerback position. Cornerback has been a need of the Ravens for a while, and it was surprising to see them not take one during free agency. The Ravens are going to need some youthful defenders to help this defense get back on it's feet.
