Wicked's 5-Round Mock

[wickedsolo]

I have a spreadsheet that I've been using to track picks, players, and so on, but I am not finding a good way to post the entire draft onto this forum.

So, I figured I would post my 5-round mock up for the Ravens and then if there are any specific players/teams anyone wanted to know about, they could ask and I'll post accordingly.

I'll also post highlight picks, players, and so on.

Rd1 - Baltimore (8-8) Corey Davis 6'3" 209 WR Western Michigan The Ravens aren't afraid to take small school players and, in fact, they've been quite successful with developing small school players. I think Mike Williams and John Ross will be in play here, but when I watch tape, Davis just stands out. He's a smooth route runner over the middle, he makes tough catches in traffic, he high points passes well, he's a red zone threat, he works the sideline very well, and he makes a lot of contested receptions, which I value almost more than any other attribute for receivers. Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman have speed for days, but Davis has legitimate #1 upside whereas Wallace is on the tail end of his career and Perriman can't seem to make the easy catches.

Rd2 - Baltimore (8-8) Tim Williams 6'3" 244 LB Alabama While it may be shocking to some, I certainly could see the draft unfolding this way. Tim Williams is arguably a Top-3 pass-rusher in this draft class, but he hasn't made good choices off the field. Making it more complicated is that during his interviews, he allegedly had a tough time with showcasing football knowledge and may need a lot of coaching to figure things out. In round-1, I don't think the Ravens would take him, but in round-2? Well, that could be a bit more appetizing. Williams is a quick-twitch athlete with elite "bend" as a pass-rusher. He has 28 tackles for loss and 19 sacks in the last two seasons.

Rd3 - Baltimore - from Philadelphia (7-9) Pat Elflein 6'3" 303 C Ohio State John Harbaugh probably has a good idea of how good of a player Elflein is because his brother, Jim, has coached against him for multiple years now. Elflein is smart, strong, a leader in the locker room, and a hard worker - all of the traits that the Ravens typically look for in an offensive lineman. The Ravens traded Jeremy Zuttah and I can't imagine they have a tremendous amount of faith in John Urschel or Ryan Jensen at this point. Elflein is one of the top players available here and he fills a huge need at center.

Rd3 - Baltimore (8-8) Juju Smith-Schuster 6'1" 215 WR USC Smith-Schuster is a tough receiver with strong hands, decent route ability, and good YAC ability. He's got solid speed and is built like a super hero. Just because the Ravens drafted Corey Davis in round-1 shouldn't preclude them from double-dipping. The Ravens have Breshad Perriman, who is inconsistent, Mike Wallace, who disappears for stretches of games, and Mike Campanaro, who can't stay healthy. Chris Moore looks to be more of a ST's guy and Keenan Reynolds is the definition of a project. The point is, Smith-Schuster is a very different type of receiver that what the Ravens currently have - even with drafting Corey Davis. Davis, Perriman, and Smith-Schuster should be an excellent trio of youth, size, speed, and upside.

Rd4 - Baltimore (8-8) Julie'n Davenport 6'7" 318 OT Bucknell Baltimore often targets small school prospects throughout the draft and I think there are a few small school gems in this draft class. Julie'n Davenport has the athleticism and ideal length to play OT. The Ravens lost Rick Wagner in free agency and while they may allow open competition at RT, I can't see Stephone Nembot or DeAndre Wesley being the answers there. Davenport has all of the hallmarks of a quality starting RT.

Rd 5 - Baltimore (8-8) Nate Hairston 6' 198 CB Temple The Ravens struck gold last year with Tavon Young, why not go back to the well? Hairston is one of my favorite mid-to-late round prospects in this draft. He is a former receiver that switched to corner while at Temple. He only has about 2 years of experience at corner, but he filled in decently for Tavon Young last year. Hariston is physical, has decent speed, has good hands (former receiver), and he's a willing tackler. I could think of worse round-5 selections.

Highlight Picks:
Rd 1 - San Francisco (2-14) Jamal Adams 6' 214 SS LSU I really like Adams and think he is a fantastic prospect. He is a day-1 starter at either safety position and I know many mock ups have a QB going here, I don't see one worth a Top-5 pick. I think Kyle Shanahan is perfectly fine with Brian Hoyer as his starter this year although I do see them taking a QB later in the draft as a developmental back up.

Rd1 - New York Jets (5-11) DeShaun Watson 6'3" 221 QB Clemson The Jets have gone on record saying that they're not sure if they'll take a QB in round-1. Their reasoning is that the Mark Sanchez situation scared them off. What I don't get is that Mark Sanchez - while not great - was 27-20 in his first three years as a starter including a 4-2 record in the playoffs. I think the Jets failed moreso than Sanchez. Anyway, Josh McCown is just a stop gap and he's not that good anyway. I love Watson's clutch ability and onfield leadership. The Jets need that. I also think talk of his inaccuracy and lack of arm strength is horribly overblown. Jameis Winston had a worse TD/INT ratio and he went #1 overall.

Rd1 - Cincinnati (6-9-1) Jonathan Allen 6'3" 286 DE Alabama This is a no-brainer pick if Allen falls this far. Apparently, some teams are "concerned" about his shoulder? That sounds like scouts talking to try and impact his draft stock, which I don't see it being impacted that much. Allen is a relentless pass-rusher that can play 5-tech, 3-tech, or shoot the gap between the center and guard. Geno Atkins has declined a bit after dealing with injuries and Carlos Dunlap is really their only viable pass-rusher. Allen makes a lot of sense for the Bengals.

Rd1 - Cleveland - from Philadelphia (7-9) Mitchell Trubisky 6'2" 222 QB UNC If Cleveland listens to their best player, Joe Thomas, then they should take "the kid from Ohio", which is Mitchell Trubisky. Cleveland needs a QB, period. Cody Kesslar is a solid choice for a back up and while the Browns have Brock Osweiler, they may as well see what he's got. However, neither of those guys inspire much confidence. Trubisky is a high risk/high reward player because he's got a great arm with a nice, tight release and good downfield accuracy. He's also pretty mobile. However, he's only got 1 year of experience. For as talented as he seems...why only 1 year as a starter? Was he really not able to beat out Marquise Williams?

Rd1 - Houston* (9-7) Davis Webb 6'5" 230 QB California Is Webb a reach here? Maybe, but a lot of scouts are thinking that he could be in play in round-1 come draft day. Webb, like Patrick Mahomes, has a big arm, prototypical size, and some decent mobility. He's raw and needs coaching on footwork and reading defenses. The thing I like about him is that he seems very driven to be great. He loves the game and wants to be "the man". I think that could be something Bill O'Brien could get behind.

Rd1 - Seattle* (10-5-1) Mike Williams 6'4" 218 WR Clemson Mike Williams should go a lot higher than this and I think he most certainly could. He's a tough receiver with great hands and he can really elevate to high point passes. He doesn't shy away from contact and he comes down with some clutch receptions. I think what may hold him back on draft day is that he's not a great route runner and like many big-bodied receivers, he doesn't have a lot of "sudden" movement to him while in motion, so separation could be difficult for him. Seattle doesn't necessarily need a WR, but I think Williams would be an excellent compliment to Doug Baldwin and give Russell Wilson another viable option in the red zone.

Rd1 - Pittsburgh* (11-5) David Njoku 6'4" 246 TE Miami The Steelers have been looking for Heath Miller's replacement for a few years now. Jesse James is solid, but he's not dynamic at all. Lardarius Greene is dynamic, but he can't get onto the field. The Steelers know their window is closing with Roethlisberger, so they need to get him as many weapons as possible. I like Njoku's ability as a receiver. I don't see a very good blocking TE, but the Steelers don't need that. They need a guy they can split out wide or into the slot and take away coverage from Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. They need a guy that can be a threat on seam routes down the middle of the field and they need a guy that can pick up YAC like Miller used do. I think Njoku can do all of those things.

[wickedsolo]

Highlight Picks Round 2

Buffalo (7-9) Budda Baker 5'10" 195 FS Washington Baker is one of my favorite players in this draft. He could very easily go in round-1 to a team like Dallas or Tampa Bay, but if he drops, I think the Bills could be a perfect spot for him. Baker is just always around the ball and considering the Bills lost Stephone Gilmore, they're going to need some talent in their secondary to make up for that loss.

Washington (8-7-1) DeShone Kizer 6'4" 233 QB Notre Dame Kizer's lack of play making ability in big games definitely is going to hurt him. From what I've read, he seems to have a bit of an entitlement complex as a player in that he doesn't work as hard as he could. There seems to be that stigma with Irish players...Anyway, it's pretty evident to anyone paying attention that Kirk Cousins has zero intentions of signing a longterm deal with the Redskis, so they better find Cousin's replacement. Kizer has all of the talent in the world and maybe Jay Gruden is the guy to get the most out of him?

Tampa Bay (9-7) TJ Watt 6'4" 252 DE Wisconsin Watt, like his older brother, is a tenacious player whose attitude, work ethic, and determination are going to be more correlated to his success than his natural talent (not that JJ Watt isn't naturally talented…). TJ Watt played in several positions at Wisconsin, so I could see Tampa lining him up in a variety of ways. Still, I like his ability as a defensive end and think he'd be a good compliment to last year's 2nd round pick, Noah Spence.

Denver (9-7) Takkarist McKinley 6'2" 250 DE UCLA A team that takes McKinley is doing so on his upside and athleticism because he doesn't have a lot of production from college prior to this past year. I think his size and skills limit him to a pass-rushing specialist in a 3-4 defensive alignment, so a team like Denver could make sense. McKinley's injury will keep him sidelined into the start of next season, but he could be excellent depth behind Shane Ray and Von Miller.

Oakland* (12-4) Joe Mixon 6'1 228 RB Oklahoma The Raiders have been trying to get Marshawn Lynch out of retirement, but they're going to have to give up something to the Seahawks. The deal may not happen and if it doesn't before the draft, then I could see the Raiders looking to add a runner in the draft. Mixon comes with baggage, but the Raiders don't shy away from that type of thing (see Smith, Aldon). Talent-wise, Mixon is easily one of the the top backs in this draft after producing over 1200 yards and 10 TD's for the Sooners.

Pittsburgh* (11-5) Teez Tabor 6' 199 CB Florida Tabor's tape shows a guy that is aggressive, tackles well, sticks with receivers well, and has good hands. His combine and pro-day performances were really lackluster and his overconfidence put a lot of teams off during his interviews. I think those reasons will be why he drops. I think Pittsburgh could be a good landing spot for him as he would be able to work in early, but not be a dedicated starter right away. Pittsburgh also does well with strong personalities and Mike Tomlin could be a good coach for someone like Tabor.

[wickedsolo]

Highlight Picks Round 3

New England - from Carolina (6-10) Demarcus Walker 6'4" 285 DE Florida State The Patriots reign supreme when it comes to getting deals for players after a few big seasons. I wouldn't be surprised to see them look to trade Trey Flowers or, at the very least, let him walk during the off-season and get a high comp pick. They're also going to do the same with newly acquired Kony Ealy. Walker gives them options for defensive fronts, provides them with excellent depth as a pass-rusher and interior lineman, and Walker also gives the Patriots less of a need to keep Ealy and Flowers.

Cincinnati (6-9-1) Kareem Hunt 5'10" 214 RB Toledo I know a lot of folks roll their eyes and pro-comparisons, but Hunt's tape shows a guy with change of direction ability and balance that you don't often see. His ability out of the backfield and overall ability is very similar to Ladanian Tomlinson. Now, I dont know if he'll ever become a HOF runner, but the Bengals are rumored to not be too emphatic about keeping Jeremy Hill or Gio Bernard after this year.

Pittsburgh (compensatory) Nathan Peterman 6'2" 226 QB Pittsburgh This might be a good spot for the Steelers to take a developmental QB. Landry Jones is probably entrenched as the backup for this year, but he's never been impressive when he's had the opportunity to start. With Ben Roethlisberger contemplating retirement, it may be a good time to seriously consider bringing in a young guy to groom. Peterman doesn't have elite size, but he has a great arm and excellent deep accuracy.

[Goode05]

I'd be over the moon with this draft

[alien bird]

It wouldn't surprise me if Tim Williams isn't even on the Ravens' board. Reports are that he has Randy Gregory-type problems, and the misdemeanor gun charge doesn't improve his resume. I don't think the Ravens will take that kind of chance when there are so many other viable prospects sitting out there.

I know the standard board argument will be that the Ravens pick like crap in the seond round anyway, but that still doesn't mean you take a chance and potentially throw away a pick.

[wickedsolo]

It wouldn't surprise me if Tim Williams isn't even on the Ravens' board. Reports are that he has Randy Gregory-type problems, and the misdemeanor gun charge doesn't improve his resume. I don't think the Ravens will take that kind of chance when there are so many other viable prospects sitting out there.

I know the standard board argument will be that the Ravens pick like crap in the seond round anyway, but that still doesn't mean you take a chance and potentially throw away a pick.

That is definitely possible and one of the reasons why I could see him sliding into round-2.


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[The Excellector]

So, the Wicked One had the Ravens taking two WRs in the first three rounds huh?

[WNCRavensFan]

I honestly think Tim Williams is off the Ravens board. I could be wrong - the team did bring in Ricky Williams who is about as up front a person as you can have on the marijuana issue, and they've had advocates headlined by Eugene Monroe - but if he is on a Randy Gregory level I don't think they risk it.

They could certainly still go pass rusher in Rd 2 after WR in Rd 1. One name I'm not seeing much on the board -- DeMarcus Walker, Florida St. People are saying he's too big and slow to play OLB in the 3-4 but there are OLB in the NFL playing at 270-280 and he can definitely get to the QB.

[rhapsody]

Thanks for your mock posting. I like the Davis, Elflein (I am coming around on him) and Schuster-S picks if the latter two fall that far in the third round. That would be good value. (I would still sign Mangold). Elflein can play guard and could already become a quality backup at C and G in 2017.

I don't trust Williams at all. My risk pick in the second round would be Sidney Jones. Our outside corners will need quality replacement sooner rather than later. Why not pick an extra 1st rounder with Jones?

[Burnham Raven]

That would be a very nice draft. Would be more than happy to have the choice between Davis & Williams at 16.
R2 I am hoping for a CB - Either Moreau or Jones (both injured)
I have been high on Elflein since the combine (being from England don't get much college football coverage).

Late rounds/other players -
Wouldn't say no at all to Juju.
Would have said that Jourdan Lewis due to the Harbs connection but with the DV case think he is off the board.
Jermaine Eluemunor - Project G/OT and because of the English connection

[wickedsolo]

Thanks for your mock posting. I like the Davis, Elflein (I am coming around on him) and Schuster-S picks if the latter two fall that far in the third round. That would be good value. (I would still sign Mangold). Elflein can play guard and could already become a quality backup at C and G in 2017.

I don't trust Williams at all. My risk pick in the second round would be Sidney Jones. Our outside corners will need quality replacement sooner rather than later. Why not pick an extra 1st rounder with Jones?

I have Sidney Jones sliding to Houston in round-2.

Houston* (9-7) Sidney Jones 6' 186 CB Washington Before injuring his achilles tendon, I had Jones slotted in the Top-20 for sure. He's aggressive, he's an excellent tackler, and he has great ball skills. The knock on Jones is his frame being pretty narrow, but maybe a year in an NFL gym with an NFL diet could put on some good weight? The Texans are in a good spot to take Jones because they're well stocked at corner, but that could change in 2018.


Although, you are certainly correct in that the Ravens are in a prime spot to take Jones in round-2 if he's there. They don't need him right away with Jimmy, Carr, Tavon, and Webb.

[sawraven1]

That is definitely possible and one of the reasons why I could see him sliding into round-2.


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I got to say I love all your selections.

But I will bet my pay check Tim Williams is not on Steve Biscottis draft board lol.
I don't see any chance Tim Williams ends up a raven with what is know about him already.

Both of your 3rd round selections are great the only problem I don't think either player lasts until round 3. Ju JU is a well known player who is round 2 talent for sure.
I don't think the first Center goes in round 2 and you got the best one