The Baltimore Ravens lost wide receiver Torrey Smith to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this offseason. Smith received a five-year deal worth $40 million ($22 million guaranteed) despite posting just one season with more than 855 receiving yards. The Ravens are poised to replace him with a younger and less expensive option in the NFL draft.
Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong could be a great addition with the No. 26 overall pick.
"The Ravens' priorities in this draft have to be upgrading at cornerback and safety, but they could also go with a wide receiver, running back or pass-rusher here depending on how the board shakes out," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay wrote in his Mock Draft 4.0. "I have them taking Strong in this scenario as a big-play target to replace Torrey Smith opposite Steve Smith Sr. Strong isn't the burner Torrey Smith was and takes a little time to build up speed, but his 4.44 40 and 42-inch vertical leap are good numbers for a player his size (6-2, 217 pounds), and he shows the ability to separate when the ball is in the air and come down with contested catches."
Strong hauled in 82 passes for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He could be a nice addition to a Baltimore passing attack that finished middle of the pack (238.7 yards per game) in 2014. Durability is a minor concern though. He suffered a concussion last year and dealt with nagging ankle injuries throughout 2013. However, he did play in 26 of 27 games in his two year college career.
