The Baltimore Ravens missed the postseason for only the second time in head coach John Harbaugh's eight seasons with the team, posting their first losing record (5-11) since he arrived in 2008. Injuries clearly played a major factor in the Ravens' disappointing season, but with players like quarterback Joe Flacco aiming to be ready for the start of the 2016 season, it wouldn't be surprising if they ended up making the playoffs.
The Ravens have multiple needs heading into the draft with likely the biggest question surrounding their offensive line, as top-tier former Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele signed with the Oakland Raiders in free agency this offseason. While Osemele played guard for the Ravens during the 2015 season, one potential prospect that the Ravens should take a hard look at is Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley.
The Ravens reportedly brought the Fighting Irish offensive tackle in for a visit on Thursday, and many consider him to be the second best offensive lineman prospect in this year's draft class. Stanley would fill an immediate need for the Ravens on their offensive line, he and would be a Week One starter for Baltimore. The 6-foot-6, 312-pound offensive tackle has drawn comparisons to Eagles starting left tackle Lane Johnson and would be a huge addition both in pass protection and in their running game.
Stanley would be a strong pickup for the Ravens and likely would make the most sense with their first round pick, assuming that Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is off the board. While Stanley would fill an immediate need for the Ravens, a player they should not pass up on, if he somehow slides to sixth overall, is Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa.
The Buckeyes pass rusher was a nightmare for opposing offenses in his three years at Ohio State, as he recorded 148 total tackles, 51 tackles for a loss and 26 sacks. His numbers did see a dip in junior season, but that was due to opposing offenses consistently double-teaming the talented pass rusher. The 6-foot-5, 269-pound defensive end should be considered a top-five overall prospect in this year's draft class, and his ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, as well as stop the run, separates him as a rare talent in the 2016 NFL Draft.
It's unknown if Bosa will slide to the Ravens with the sixth overall pick, but if he is there, they should grab him quickly, as he could be a cornerstone piece for years to come. If both Bosa and Tunsil are off the board by the time Baltimore is on the clock, Stanley would make a strong fit and fill an immediate need, making him the most sense for their first round pick.
