The Baltimore Ravens have admitted to being influenced by the media in regards to whom they will select during the 2016 NFL Draft. "I look at all that stuff a lot because I think, at least, I believe every team is different," General manager Eric DeCosta stated. "I like to try and get a sense for league value, how other teams see players. I think mock drafts are sometimes indicative of that. I think that's something that you should pay attention to."
This is not entirely that shocking as the Ravens have had some pretty predictable draft picks in recent memory and draft analysis is everywhere these days. The team could probably get a really good sense of how valuable players are and who exactly they should be focused on thanks to the hours and hours that analysts and sports writers spend pouring over statistics and data just to find the right prospects they think a team should select.
The Ravens have the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, which is the highest they have selected in a very long time. A high draft pick is the only way Baltimore benefited from last year's abysmal 5-11 season since most of the team's starters suffered serious injuries, including starting quarterback Joe Flacco (torn ACL and MCL), star wide receiver Steve Smith (torn Achilles tendon), Terrell Suggs (also a torn Achilles) and starting running back Justin Forsett (broken arm bone).
When you couple those injuries with the torn PCL suffered by 2015 first round pick Breshad Perriman, the Ravens are in desperate need of influx of new talent. On top of needing another wide receiver at some point during the draft, the Ravens will need offensive linemen, cornerbacks, outside linebackers and, most likely, some pass rushers.
The secondary was the most problematic issue with this team during the 2015 season, so it would be no surprise to see them take Vernon Hargreaves III or one of the top corners with the sixth overall pick. It also would not be surprising to see them take the future replacement for Suggs as the aging veteran has looked like he has lost a step.
NFL mock drafts have the Ravens selecting either offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley out of Notre Dame or defensive end DeForest Buckner out of Oregon. If rebuilding this aging defense is truly what the Ravens brass have in mind, then Buckner will undoubtedly be their first overall pick.
