Breaking down the Ravens 2020 draft class:

Round 1 (28th overall): Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Grade: A

My analysis: The Ravens watched their magical 2019 season come to an end at the hands of Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans rushing attack. Entering this year’s draft, it was clear that finding a middle linebacker was at or near the top of General Manager Eric DeCosta’s to-do-list. This offseason saw linebackers Josh Bynes (Bengals) and Patrick Onwuasor (Jets) depart in free agency, leaving Baltimore with only L.J. Fort, Chris Board, Otaro Alaka, and Jake Ryan at the position. Queen figures to step into a starting role immediately in Baltimore.

Albeit undersized, Queen has the build and makeup of a modern-day linebacker. He can fly, as evidenced by his 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, and has the versatility to drop into pass coverage or blitz. Having only spent one season as a starter, John Harbaugh and the Ravens believe that Queen’s best football is ahead of him. This was a true best of both worlds scenario for the Ravens, as they fill their biggest need and grab the top guy on their board.

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Round 2 (55th overall): J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

Grade: A-

My analysis: The Ravens continue to show that their commitment to the run game isn’t going anywhere. After setting the NFL single-season rushing record last year, Baltimore added another running back who looks to be Lamar Jackson’s running mate for years to come. Running back may not have been Baltimore’s most pressing need, but with Mark Ingram over the age of 30 and Gus Edwards becoming a free agent next season, this move makes a lot of sense moving forward.

Dobbins is a grind-it-out back who will figure to carve out a role in the offense right away. Last year at Ohio State, Dobbins set the single-season rushing record with 2003 yards. The selection of Dobbins was a smart, forward-thinking move by Eric DeCosta, who feels that Dobbins will be;

” A dangerous player for us.”

Round 3 (71st overall): Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M

Grade: B+

My analysis: The selection of Madubuike was a sneaky good pick for the Ravens, who for the second straight year drafted a DT from Texas A&M after taking Daylon Mack last year. ESPN’s Mel Kiper rated Madubuike as the number three DT behind first-rounders Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw. While Madubuike is slightly undersized, he brings a lot of value with his ability to rush the quarterback from the interior, which is an area the Ravens struggled last season.

Over the past two seasons, Madubuike finished with 11 sacks. Madubuike figures to be a rotational piece along the Ravens defensive front and could see significant action on 3rd downs. The Ravens defensive line gets yet another boost, and figures to be their deepest unit in years.

Round 3 (92nd overall): Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas

Grade: A

My analysis: The selection of Devin Duvernay, a speedy, sure-handed receiver out of Texas, was my favorite pick of the draft for Baltimore. Count John Harbaugh among those fired up about this pick, as he was shown on ESPN’s broadcast fist-pumping after the pick was announced. Duvernay figures to be a contributor for the Ravens right away. Last season at Texas, Duvernay caught 106 passes for 1386 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Look for Duvernay to slide into the offense and give Lamar Jackson another weapon with great hands and the ability to make things happen after the catch.

Round 3 (98th overall): Malik Harrison, ILB, Ohio State

Grade: B

My analysis: The Ravens added their third front seven defenders with the selection of Malik Harrison, a thumper out of Ohio State. This continues their offseason push to bolster their defensive front. Harrison pairs nicely with first-round selection Patrick Queen and could be an effective run-stopping linebacker. Harrison ranked towards the top of the Big Ten in tackles for loss last year. Another area where Harrison excels is his ability to pressure the quarterback.

Last season at Ohio State, Harrison trailed only 2nd overall pick Chase Young in pressure percentage (12.5%). Harrison is a nice complementary piece to the Raven’s linebacking group and could see immediate action as well.

Round 3 (106th overall): Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State

Grade: B+

My analysis: The Ravens have a history of drafting college tackles and bumping them inside to guard, and that’s exactly what could be in store for Tyre Phillips. Assuming Phillips makes the transition, he figures to compete with the likes of Ben Powers and possibly Patrick Mekari for the starting right guard job. Phillips thrives as a mauling run-blocker, which aligns well with the offense in Baltimore. While drafting offensive lineman is never the sexy pick, this was a responsible move by the Baltimore brain trust, who could have their replacement for Marshal Yanda.

Round 4 (143 overall): Ben Bredeson, IOL, Michigan

Grade: B

My analysis: Nobody gets better intel on Michigan products than the Ravens and John Harbaugh, whose brother Jim is the head coach of the Wolverines. With the selection of Ben Bredeson, the Ravens selected an interior lineman with back-to-back picks. Prior to the draft, John Harbaugh listed bolstering the offensive line as one of his biggest priorities. With Matt Skura recovering from a gruesome knee injury, Bredeson joins the unit as a versatile lineman who can play either guard or center.

While Bredeson isn’t the most athletic lineman, pundits praise him for his toughness and leadership, which are always welcomed in Baltimore. Bredeson will join Powers and Phillips in the competition for the right guard job and could be a fill-in at center until Skura returns to 100%.

Round 5 (170th overall): Broderick Washington Jr., DT, Texas Tech

Grade: C+

Analysis: Washington becomes the 4th defensive lineman brought in by Baltimore this offseason, joining Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, and 3rd round pick Justin Madubuike. While I would have liked to see the Ravens bring in an edge rusher here, it’s easy to see Baltimore officials weren’t thrilled with the team’s ability to stop the run last season. While a bit undersized, Washington was a two-time captain at Texas Tech and should bring leadership and grit to the Baltimore defensive. Look for Washington to fill in as a rotational piece behind Brandon Williams.

Round 6 (201st overall): James Proche, WR, SMU

Grade: A-

My analysis: Proche becomes the second receiver selected by Baltimore, who traded up into the 6th round to select their guy. No receiver caught more passes over the last two seasons than Proche, who hauled in 204 passes. When you turn on the tape, it’s easy to see that Proche excels at catching the football, as evidenced by his abundance of highlight-reel catches. Proche isn’t the biggest or fastest guy in the world but can add additional value as a return man, where he did a nice job at SMU.

After drops plagued the Ravens in their postseason defeat to the Titans, the Ravens bring in another sure-handed receiver to round out the corps.

Round 7 (219th overall): Geno Stone, S, Iowa

Grade: B+

My analysis: It was surprising to see Geno Stone still available in the seventh round after he received a second-round grade by multiple outlets. Stone knows all about being doubted, after not receiving an offer from hometown Penn State coming out of high school. Pro Football Focus coined Stone “the most underrated player” in this draft. The Ravens needed another body at safety after releasing Tony Jefferson and declining the option on Brandon Carr, and Stone should add some depth here. Stone brings a high football IQ to Baltimore where he could develop into a nice young player.

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