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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition

By Dani Bostick

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) is called for pass interference as Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas (3) tries to catch the ball in the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) is called for pass interference as Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas (3) tries to catch the ball in the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

26. . CB. Virginia Tech. Kendall Fuller. 16. player

It isn’t too late for the Ravens to turn their season around, but it is very possible the team will end up picking a lot earlier than 14th in the 2016 draft. After losing Terrell Suggs to injury and Haloti Ngata to free agency, the team’s defense is not what it used to be. The offensive side of the ball is equally discouraging. The team simply hasn’t had the money to retain talent since the paid Joe Flacco big after the team’s Super Bowl victory in 2012.

The Ravens must draft very well in order to rebuild their team since they do not have the money available to lure and attract game-changing players. If the Ravens want to compete in the AFC North, they need to improve their pass defense. With the loss of Suggs, their pass rush is virtually non-existent, but I would not write off Suggs yet. Despite his age, he had a strong 2014 season and seemed to have several productive years left in the tank before he fell to injury.

The secondary is an area of extreme need for the Ravens. It is impossible to succeed in the pass-happy AFC North against offensive powerhouses like the Steelers and Bengals without an effective secondary. If the team is picking earlier in the draft, there are better investments, especially considering the sheer number of weak areas on their roster. Sticking with the contingencies presented in this scenario, a safety or cornerback could help the Ravens tremendously.

Cornerback Kendall Fuller had six interceptions, 17 passes defensed, and 58 tackles as a true freshman at Virginia Tech. His success continued in the 2014 season with 54 tackles, two interceptions and 17 passes defensed.

Fuller is currently suffering from a sprained knee, but that injury should not have a negative impact on his draft stock. A bigger factor would be a regression in productivity. He had a stupendous freshman year, so he needs to show his ceiling is higher than what he has already shown on the field.

Regardless, teams desperate for a playmaker in the secondary should consider Fuller whose athleticism, drive, and tenacity (he played with a fractured wrist for most of 2014) are extremely attractive characteristics.

Next: No. 17 Minnesota Vikings

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