Insider Lists Ravens’ Top 3 ‘Dream Draft Targets’
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a successful season, nearly seeing Lamar Jackson win his second consecutive NFL MVP, along with Derrick Henry’s first season in Todd Monken’s offense. However, despite the impressive performance, the ultimate goal was not reached.
This offseason, general manager Eric DeCosta will focus on adding key players through free agency and April’s NFL Draft to help push the team over the top next season.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has identified the top three “dream draft targets” for the Ravens in the upcoming draft.
Day 1 Target: Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee Volunteers
Ballentine highlights that while the Ravens ranked second in the league for sacks last season, they were only 15th in pressure percentage, which is concerning. That figure includes 12.5 sacks from 33-year-old Kyle Van Noy, who may not be able to maintain that production. Odafe Oweh could benefit greatly from having someone like Pearce Jr. alongside him.
Day 2 Target: Cornerback Zy Alexander – LSU Tigers
Marlon Humphrey, currently the Ravens’ cornerback, is expected to be let go due to salary cap issues, and DeCosta will need to find a replacement. This could come through the draft on Day 2. B/R’s Cory Giddings praised Alexander as a versatile corner who could fit well with the Ravens’ needs. “Zy Alexander is projected as a mid-round pick with the potential to develop into a starting outside cornerback in various schemes,” Giddings said. “His size, length, and ability to cover receivers downfield make him a high-ceiling prospect, especially against larger wideouts.”
Day 3 Target: Linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson – Kentucky Wildcats
Ballentine notes that linebacker is an “underrated need” for the Ravens, with Roquan Smith handling most of the work in the second level. Malik Harrison, who stepped in for the underperforming Trenton Simpson last season, is a free agent, as are Chris Board and Kristian Welch. Dumas-Johnson, who has faced injury concerns in college, may fall in the draft, which could benefit Baltimore if they can land him on Day 3.
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