Many pundits said the Ravens knocked the first round of the NFL draft out of the park. Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum were seen as the best prospects at their respective positions. Entering Day 2 of the draft, the Ravens looked to build on their successful first day by having a great round 2 and 3. Let’s take a look at how they did.
Ravens Take David Ojabo at 45
David Ojabo was a popular pick mocked to the Ravens throughout most of the draft process. The pairing made sense. Ojabo was a ferocious pass rusher for Michigan. The Ravens desperately needed more talent at EDGE. Baltimore’s newest defensive coordinator, Mike MacDonald, recently coached Ojabo at Michigan. Of course, there is the Harbaugh connection to top it off. And then Ojabo tore his Achilles at Michigan’s Pro Day.
That injury dropped Ojabo from a Top-15 hopeful down to the second and third round range. Day 1 passed and Ojabo did not hear his name called. But he wouldn’t have to wait long on Day 2 to realize his dream. The Ravens never lost interest in Ojabo, and wasted no time in turning in their card with Ojabo’s name on it.
There is some apprehension among the Ravens faithful concerning Ojabo’s availability. His Achilles tear is a serious injury, and the most optimistic reports have Ojabo returning to the field sometime in October at the earliest. He hardly solves the Ravens immediate issue at EDGE, but there is no denying what he can bring down the line. Ojabo is a perennial top-15 talent and grabbing him at pick 45 could end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Ravens Land IDL Travis Jones at 76
There have been few players who have risen as fast in the draft process as UConn defensive lineman Travis Jones. Jones has opened a lot of eyes over the last few months, and for good reason. At 6’4, 325 lbs, Jones has tremendous size and plays with terrifying power.
An absolute defensive wall, Jones is nearly impossible to push around and run through. Though he isn’t known as a pass rusher, there is certainly some untapped potential in that area. There were even whispers that Jones could hear his name called during the first round.
Jones had to wait until the third round to be selected, but he goes to a great situation in Baltimore. Though the Ravens brought back Calais Campbell and Michael Pierce, the team needed to get younger along the defensive line. Jones adds immediate depth while learning from some of the best defensive linemen in the league.
The Ravens set themselves up for success on Day 2 of the draft. With several picks going into Day 3, the Ravens will look to build on an already highly touted draft class.