At a glance: Baltimore wisely chose need over value in the draft and plugged numerous holes left by free agency. The two biggest weaknesses - wide receiver and pass rush - were targeted with the team's first three picks. Whether Baltimore got high impact players at the positions remains to be seen, but the moves were needed after a quiet free agency.
Baltimore has quality depth in its secondary. The front office says it is sticking with its highest paid player, cornerback Jimmy Smith, despite Smith unlikely to have a starting role. Tavon Young also earns more money than fellow cornerback Marlon Humphrey and may not start. While the price of that depth doesn't make sense versus the cap, no one will be complaining on Sundays later this year if the team is as good defensively in 2019 as it was last year.
In 2018, the Ravens surrendered the fewest yards and second-fewest points. They rode those stats all the way to the play-offs where a horrendous offensive performance gave the team no chance. The team came in for a lot of criticism over its wide receiver corps since, but was able to add two new pass catchers - including the draft's highest rated, Marquise Brown - and spent four of its first five picks on offense. That should certainly help balance the team.
DRAFT PICKS (per ESPN)
1.25 Marquise Brown WR
3.21 Jaylon Ferguson DE
3.29 Miles Boykin WR
4.11 Justice Hill RB
4.21 Ben Powers OG
4.25 Iman Marshall CB
5.22 Daylon Mack DT
6.24 Trace McSorley QB
ORIGINAL COVER PHOTO: CBS Baltimore
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