The Baltimore Ravens are an organization that values defense above all else. As such, it wouldn't be a surprise for general manager Ozzie Newsome to target a player for that side of the ball with the team's first round pick. The front seven could especially use an extra body after the loss of Pernell McPhee in free agency. That's why some believe that Newsome will try and snag a pass rusher with the 26th overall pick.
"Nebraska defensive end-outside linebacker Randy Gregory, one of the top pass rushers in the draft, is scheduled to visit the Ravens, according to league sources," Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun wrote. "Gregory also met with the Ravens informally at the NFL scouting combine."
The Ravens would be ecstatic if Gregory fell to them, though that is unlikely. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Chicago Bears to snag him with the seventh overall pick. However, Gregory's health may impact his draft status.
"Gregory's medical history could play a big role in where he gets drafted," ESPN's Steve Muench wrote. "He missed the 2012 season with a broken leg, he missed time with a recurring knee injury this past season, he missed the 2014 regular-season finale with a concussion and his leaner frame elevates concerns about his durability. If teams are comfortable with the medical, he works out as well as expected and interviews well with teams, Gregory should be a top-five pick. He may never be as big as Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, but he has drawn favorable comparisons because of his length and athletic ability."
The Washington Redskins have also been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Gregory. Regardless, the Ravens are sure to try and replace McPhee's supplemental pass rush. But they may want to lower their expectations. As Muench mentioned, Gregory's health is definitely worth monitoring. But the odds of him falling all the way to the back end of round one are slim to none. The Bears have a litany of defensive needs and adding Gregory would go a long way in addressing them. Baltimore may want to set their sights on someone like outside linebacker Eli Harold or defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.
The NFL draft will kick off on April 30.
