Raven has pick number 14 in the NFL draft. Here are five potential targets. – Orange County Register

The Ravens’ season ended shortly after Sunday’s playoffs. Now their top pick in the April NFL draft could be as early as years.

After a 16-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Raven had a 14th overall pick, their best draft placement since they handled Ronnie Stanley in 6th place overall in 2016. According to ESPN, Raven entered Sunday with just 8% odds to land pick number 14, the highest in their range; they were strongly favorites (57%) to finish in 18th place overall.

With compensatory draft picks not yet awarded, Raven has seven options to participate in the pre-overdraft process: Number 14, number 45 (second round), number 76 (third round), three picks in the fourth round and a pick in the sixth round. They were due to a third-round pick that offset the hiring of former Houston Texans assistant David Culley and two mid-round picks for the season departures of passers Yannick Ngakoue and Matthew Judon.

But none of Raven’s picks this spring will be as scrutinized as their first round. Last year, general manager Eric DeCosta took Rashod Bateman and outside full-back Odafe Oweh at No. 27 and No. 31 respectively. Here are five players in the necessary positions who could become targets in No. 14:

Mississippi State Addresses Charles Cross Attack: After allowing six sacks and 33 sprints as a red-shirt freshman last season, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound Cross allows only two and 14 in 2021, respectively, according to Pro Football Focus. As an athlete, he’s strong, skinny, and explosive. As an opponent, he played with rough physicality in both defending the pass and blocking the run. Cross played left-ball in college, but he’s a good enough prospect to be predictably a right-hander. Given Ronnie Stanley’s trauma history, that would be an asset to Raven.

Texas A&M Offensive Manager Kenyon Green: The 6-4, 325-pound base started when he was a true freshman. Equally impressive, he started everywhere but center along the line of attack. The versatile Green, an impressive run blocker, projects as a guardian to the next level and possibly Raven’s answer to the left guard. But he has also shown his potential to the outside, starting with a left strike in the Aggies’ upset win over Alabama. After allowing no sacks and five hurdles last season, according to the PFF, Green has given up once sack and seven rushes this season, according to the PFF.

Georgia quarterback Jordan Davis: It’s hard to miss the 6-6 sunbae, who weighs 340 pounds. Davis has been a stalwart defender for Georgia’s highest-ranked defense this season, and last month he was honored with the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best defensive player. of this sport. When a Ravens defense is committed to stopping a runaway, he will be the natural successor to Brandon Williams at the front. However, Davis’ hasty passing ability is limited. He has three sacks in 14 games this season, but only 15 quarterbacks crossed the line in the three years he started.

Texas A&M DeMarvin Leal DeMarvin Leal’s Defensive Finish: The 6-4th, 290-pound player finished the season with 58 tackles, the most of any Southeastern Conference athlete, including 12½ losses and 8½ tackles, all in is the highest level in his career. A three-year beginner with impressive speed and power, Leal has breakthrough potential as a driver of speed and inner presence. Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher praised him for establishing the culture of the show, but Leal is believed to have been arrested last month and charged with possession of marijuana.

Cincinnati full-back Ahmad Gardner: “Sauce,” as he knew it, did not give up a single objection to his college career. The 6-3, 200-pound Gardner gives a passerby rating of 26.1 in coverage this season, his third straight year under 40.0. His impressive physique and athletic prowess would be a great fit in Raven’s body-to-heavy insurance plans. Even if Marlon Humphrey has signed a long-term contract, the defense still needs reinforcements at the back. Marcus Peters is recovering from a torn ACL, and Jimmy Smith and Anthony Averett may have played their last game in Baltimore.

With 14 teams heading for post-season, here’s how the top of the draft order changes:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Detroit Lion
3. Houston Texas
4. New York Jets
5. Giants in New York
6. Carolina Panthers
7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears)
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Dancer broncos
10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks)
11. Washington football team
12. Minnesota Vikings
13. Cleveland Browns
14. Ravens
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins)
16. Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts)
17. Los Angeles charger
18. New Orleans Saints