2019 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 2 – No Pick
The Ravens used this pick to jump back into the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft that led to the selection of Lamar Jackson. Baltimore made a smart move to get Jackson, develop him slowly and then let him grow into the full-time starter this year. Jackson being drafted in the first round allows the team to get the ever-valuable fifth year option for their quarterback.
Round 3 – Pick 85
Jakobi Meyers, WR, North Carolina State
Baltimore overhauled their receiver corps last offseason with additions of John Brown and Michael Crabtree, both of who are not sure-bets to return next season. The revisions need to continue in the 2019 draft. The Ravens were towards the bottom of the league in passing when Jackson took over. Willie Snead showed a connection with Jackson but there are concerns after that. The young quarterback’s continual growth in the passing department will be coupled with Baltimore’s ability to surround him with talent.
A strong player that is a rising prospect is North Carolina State’s Jakobi Meyers. The former Wolfpack slot receiver is a quarterback-turned-wide receiver. He has been out-shined by likely first round teammate Kelvin Harmon but he can play. Despite being a former quarterback, Meyers has a great set of hands and is already a nuanced route runner. Where he really excels is making tough catches over the middle, something Jackson needs help with. When Jackson was at his best in Louisville he was throwing in the middle of the field, that is where Meyers can thrive.
He may have been used mostly as a slot but being 6-foot-2, Meyers can grow into an outside receiver. While not possessing game-breaking speed, he is fast and strong enough to hold his own at any position. This is the type of smart pick that can elevate a passing game.