It’s that time of the year again. The weather is still cold, but sometimes teases of what’s to come. Flowers will be blooming soon. All of those are signs of, yep, you guessed it, the start of mock draft season.
This Baltimore Ravens mock draft will consist of only players who participated in the two biggest college all-star games. One being the East-West Shrine game and the other being the Senior Bowl.
First Round (27th pick)
Aireontae Ersery, LT, Minnesota
Ronnie Stanley has probably seen his last days as a Raven. His contract is expiring and the Ravens may not want to make another large investment after all of the injuries. Insert Ersery who took on a bevy of outstanding pass rushers during one one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl. The three-year collegiate starter at left tackle played in Minnesota’s wide zone scheme which matches what the Ravens like to do with Derrick Henry. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Ersery is big enough to handle power off the edge and nimble enough to work against speed rushers trying to get Lamar Jackson.
Second Round (59th pick)
Kyle Kennard, OLB, South Carolina
Kennard was a force during the Senior Bowl practices. He left early because of an ankle injury. But is one of the most well-decorated prospects in the draft. Kennard finished with 11.5 sacks last season. He was named the Bronco Nagurski Award Winner, given to the best college defensive player.
Third Round (91st pick)
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
Knight anchored a ferocious Gamecocks defense last season. The maturity he gained after playing six years of college football showed immediately at the Senior Bowl. Knight was one of the players other prospects rallied around at the Senior Bowl. His instincts and tenacious approach will pair beautifully with Ravens captain Roquan Smith.
Fourth Round (128th pick)
JaCobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Bryant is a long, sticky-cover corner who loves to press receivers. He’s a chatty player who will fit right in with the Ravens aggressive defense. Bryant more than held his own in two practices during Shrine week. He opted to stand on that work and not participate in the remaining practices or the game.
Fourth Round (136th pick)
Miles Frazier, OL, LSU
Frazier played both tackle and guard during the Senior Bowl practices. He was named outstanding offensive lineman for the American Team. The Ravens will love his versatility and value in the fourth round.
Fifth Round (176th pick)
R.J. Mickens, safety, Clemson
Mickens will bring a ball hawking match to the secondary that already features all-pro safety Kyle Hamilton. His father, Ray, played cornerback for the New York Jets.
Fifth Round (178th pick)
Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
Horn is a dynamic playmaker whose offensive coordinator Todd Monken can design a special package of plays. Horn can also double as a punt/kick returner.
Sixth Round (205th pick)
Eugene Asante, LB, Auburn
Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr will see a lot of himself in Asante. The Senior Bowl practices were a good showcase for how Asante plays like his helmet is on fire. He was all over the place and just seemed to find the football on every play. Asante will enjoy a long career as a reserve linebacker and special teams ace.
Sixth Round (213th pick)
Traeshon Holden, WR, Oregon
Holden is a big receiver that gives depth at the X-receiver position. Holden had a good couple of days at the Shrine Week practices but was unable to finish the week because of neck soreness after falling to the ground as he made a catch. His deep-threat ability will be good for Jackson.
Seventh Round (245 pick)
Shiloh Sanders, DB, Colorado
Sanders follows his father Deion’s footsteps to Baltimore. But unlike his father, the younger Sanders is a hard hitter that loves to tackle. His coverage skills were lacking during one-on-ones at Shrine Week. That’s OK because he won’t be asked to do a lot of covering in the league. The Ravens can use him as a depth safety and a boost to special teams.
