Ravens position-by-position draft preview: Running back
Current running backs under contract: Alex Collins, Buck Allen, Kenneth Dixon, John Crockett, Patrick Ricard (fullback), Ricky Ortiz (fullback) Chances that the Ravens will draft a running back in first three rounds: Moderate. When the Ravens talked about adding playmakers on offense this offseason, they weren’t just confining themselves to wide receivers and tight ends. They believe there is definitely room to add a dynamic running back who can create big plays and factor into the passing game. They have several bigger needs, Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas April 26-28 TV: NFL Network, ESPN, chs. 45, 5 though, so this is a piece they’ll probably look for either late on Day 2 or early on Day 3. The Ravens haven’t taken a running back earlier than the third round since 2008, when they used a second-round pick on Ray Rice. Another deep running back class means quality ball carriers will be available in the middle rounds. Possibly on Ravens’ radar: Nick Chubb (Georgia), Derrius Guice (LSU), Ronald Jones (USC), Sony Michel (Georgia), Rashaad Penny (San Diego State) Outlook: Collins’ emergence as a lead back last season, plus the return of the versatile Allen and a healthy Dixon, makes another running back probably more of a
luxury than a necessity. However, the Ravens do lack a pass-catching back with big-play potential. Adding a player with that skill set would give the team a much-needed jolt of offensive speed and versatility, and allow the Ravens to create more mismatches in the passing game. The Ravens don’t necessarily need to target the position early either. The success last year of rookies Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara, both taken in the third round last year, is the latest proof that good backs can be found outside the first round. Penn State’s Saquon Barkley is the only running back who appears to be a lock to go in the first. That means the Ravens should have quite a few options in the middle rounds. The last three backs they have drafted have come in the fourth Alex Collins’ emergence as a lead back last season makes drafting a running back more of luxury for the Ravens. round. Guice, a physical and tough runner who had a predraft visit with the Ravens, might become an option if the team trades back in the first round. The Ravens like Penny as well.