Baltimore Ravens Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

PROJECTED TRADE WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Some teams will view Starks as a fair athlete without an NFL position; despite their talent, Brian Branch and Cooper DeJean lasted until the second round for similar reasons. The Ravens won't let that happen, though, as they see Starks' playmaking skills -- just like when they scooped up Kyle Hamilton at No. 14 overall after his 4.59 40 caused other franchises to pass.

Kenneth Grant spent his college career alongside Mason Graham, which sometimes caused his prowess to be overlooked, but he's a disruptive force on the inside as well. Plus the Ravens staff - considering Michigan has felt like a Baltimore farm system for coaches at times -- will have familiarity with him and know precisely the player they'd be getting.

While Jackson's film at tackle was surprisingly encouraging, I view him best as a guard. He has length and the explosive strength to really jar holes open. His ability to bump outside in case of emergency is a bonus, and his size fits right in with the Ravens' pretty robust line (sans Tyler Linderbaum).

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen and Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. were all tempting here, but the Ravens play in a division with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, DK Metcalf, George Pickens and Jerry Jeudy. Quality cornerback play is essential and Baltimore only has four corners on its roster. Barron, who had five interceptions last year, can immediately slide into the slot with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins playing outside. Ravens decision-makers talk a lot at this time of year about relying on the tape and Barron's is very good. — Jeff Zrebiec

Harmon is ultra disruptive. He plays with outstanding effort and a motor that would be appreciated in Baltimore.

The Ravens are annually one of the NFL's best on Draft Day because they let the board fall to them and rarely reach to fill a need. Harmon is a physically dominant player who should be drafted earlier, but he's battled with inconsistency. Burly and nasty, he'd fit right in with the Ravens.

Baltimore was able to keep left tackle Ronnie Stanley but lost guard Patrick Mekari. What Jackson did last year, moving from left guard to left tackle for Ohio State, was impressive — and he played left tackle very well. He was an All-American-caliber guard, too. Jackson would help build an offensive line that gives Lamar Jackson a chance.

I've mentioned the big-play woes for Baltimore's defense in the past, and the team didn't really do anything to fix them in free agency. It allowed 58 plays for 20 or more yards this past season, third most in the NFL, and Baltimore hasn't added a defensive back. But Starks has the skill set to thrive alongside Kyle Hamilton from the back end. Starks closes well to break up passes and stop the run, and he can be used over the slot, if necessary.

I actually have Starks ranked slightly ahead of Nick Emmanwori as the top safety in the class, even though the Ravens get Starks nine picks after Emmanwori was selected in this scenario.

The Ravens invest early in their defensive line pretty much every year. Donovan Ezeiruaku gives them a third-down specialist right out the gate who can win from many different alignments given his bag of tricks.

Baltimore went with a cornerback in the first round of last year's draft, and it looks like Nate Wiggins will be a big-time hit.

However, the collection of talent at cornerback overall sees Marlon Humphrey another year older and Brandon Stephens, even amid his struggles, leaving in free agency. Porter has length, can fly like the wind and is an ascending talent.