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NFL Draft Primer: Baltimore Ravens

See who the Baltimore Ravens may target in the 2015 NFL Draft.

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Team needs: Wide receiver, Cornerback, Outside linebacker, Running back and Safety.

Ravens’ selections:

Round 1 – 26th overall

Round 2 – 58th overall

Round 3 – 90th overall

Round 4 – 122nd overall

Round 4 – 125th overall

Round 4 – 136th overall

Round 5 – 158th overall

Round 5 – 171st overall

Round 5 – 175th overall

Round 6 – 203rd overall

Good fits early:

Jalen Strong: After losing Torrey Smith to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens desperately need an instant contributor to replace him.

Arizona State product Jalen Strong could be that guy. During his last two seasons in college, Strong caught 157 passes for 2, 287 yards with 17 touchdowns. To go with his good hands, Smith also possesses top notch speed. He ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at the combine. If you pair him alongside Steve Smith, you could be seeing a nice dynamic duo in Baltimore.

Melvin Gordon: The Ravens decided to part ways with running back Bernard Price a day after he was arrested for drunken driving. However, they’ll have Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro returning.

Forsett led the team in rushing with 1,266 yards on 235 carries, which was an impressive 5.4 yards per carry.

With that being said, Baltimore still needs some depth at the position, which could open things up for Wisconsin back Melvin Gordon. The 6-foot-1, 215 pound back was just a few yards shy from breaking the all-time FBS record for most rushing yards in a single season.

PJ Williams: After ranking 23rd in pass defense in 2014, Baltimore would be wise to go corner early. Florida State standout P.J. Williams would be a good pick in the second round.

The 6-foot corner has swagger and doesn’t let the previous play affect his next one. Williams loves to get physcial, which is why he excels in the bump and run scheme. In 2014, Williams finished second team All-ACC.

Although the Ravens signed Kendrick Lewis, if Alabama safety Landon Collins is on the board at 26, it may become too tempting to take him. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Collins played both safety positions while starting three games at dime back.

Potential late-round targets:

Wes Saxton: This is a pretty weak tight end class, but Saxton’s athleticism separates him from the rest of the pack. The 6-foot-4, 235 pounder posted the fastest 40-time at his position with a 4.56.

Injuries held Saxton back during his senior year, but during his junior campaign he caught 50 passes for 635 yards.

Jordan Hicks: Outside linebacker wasn’t really a weakness for the Ravens, but considering the age of their guys, it would be smart for them to start thinking long-term at this point. Former Texas Longhorn Jordan Hicks is an interesting prospect.

Before the 2014, Hicks wasn’t on the NFL radar, but during his senior season he displayed qualities that now have him going anywhere from middle to late round. Hicks is listed at 6-foot-1, 236 pounds. He’s a guy with desired speed, as he ran a 4.68 40-time at the combine and he also takes very good care of his lean body frame.

Hicks led the Longhorns in tackles with 147 in 2014. He was also selected second-team All-Big 12 this past season.

Anthony Boone: Considering the Ravens needs at other positions, its highly unlikely for them to take a quarterback during the first two days, but expect them to take a filler on the third day.

Anthony Boone could be that guy. The former Duke Blue Devil received All-ACC honorable mention in 2014. Boone is a dual threat quarterback, as he was asked to zone-read in the college ranks. He has the ability to elude pressure in the pocket and extend plays.

Boone threw 19 touchdowns to 8 interceptions in 2014.

As the Baltimore Ravens enter the 2015 season, many pundits are questioning if their window has closed or not. Its impossible to tell right now, but all things considered, if Joe Flacco is able to play good clean football and has steady support in the run game, all bets are off.

However, Baltimore’s pass defense must improve as well, which is why its important for them to find another corner to challenge Lardarius Webb in the draft.

Mark Gunnels is an NFL columnist for Football Insiders. He has several years of experience covering the NFL and NCAA football. He's the radio color commentator for Lincoln University football. Mark's work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports and Yard Barker.

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