Baltimore Ravens: 7-round mock draft

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) reacts on the field with teammates against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Ravens 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 7, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Mike Warren (2) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Eric Striker (19) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3: Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma

Next up on the Ravens’ checklist for the 2016 NFL Draft is going to be increasing the depth of their front-seven, particularly by adding a pass-rusher on the edge. With injuries in that area in 2015, that was yet another reason why the Ravens’ pass defense has been one of the worst units in the league in that regard. After already touching on their other two biggest needs, taking someone like Oklahoma Sooners outside linebacker Eric Striker in the third round would be a smart move.

As far as positives with Striker go, he has tremendous speed and quickness in a number of areas. In terms of making tackles in the open field, he has the closeout speed to come up with big plays. Meanwhile, he’s also shown the ability to use that speed for getting after the passer by simply blowing by the offensive line on the outside.

The primary weakness with Striker is that he doesn’t have a great deal of success to his credit after being engaged with offensive linemen. He doesn’t particularly have many moves to try to free himself nor is he a powerful enough of a rusher to get free. However, if the Ravens can bring him in and get him bulked up and coached up, the physical tools of Baltimore’s next big-time pass rusher are there with Striker.

Next: First Pick of Round 4

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