By Austin Medina
With the NFL Draft less than a month away, the Ravens have a number of positions to address.
Among them, the main four positions to address are: linebacker, edge rusher, wide receiver, and interior offensive line.
With the retirement of Marshal Yanda, the Ravens may elect to press forward in 2020 with 2019 fourth-round pick Ben Powers as the replacement. Powers served on the inactive list until Week 17, where he played 32 snaps in a 28-10 Baltimore victory.
The Ravens could also look to draft a future guard with the 28th overall pick and a potential player may be
Cesar Ruiz from Michigan.
With additional position needs and an influx of draft capital, the Ravens have the luxury of not reaching for Yanda’s replacement in the first round. With two second-round picks, two third-round picks, and two fourth-round picks, the Ravens can address the interior line on Day 2 and Day 3.
A player to keep an eye on is LSU guard Damien Lewis.
Lewis started two seasons at guard for the LSU Tigers, helping pave the way for 1,000-yard rushers in consecutive seasons. In 2019, Lewis earned First-Team All-American honors from The Athletic. Additionally, Lewis helped LSU earn the Joe Moore Award, an award honoring the best offensive line unit in college football. LSU won the National Title in January, defeating Clemson 42-25.
At 6’2, 327 pounds, Lewis used leverage and his big frame to maul opposing defenders in 2019. His aggressive and ferocious style of play would fit well in Baltimore rush-heavy offense.
Only one guard earned a 90.0+ run blocking grade in 2019. pic.twitter.com/AefbR08Aid
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College)
March 25, 2020 Although his hands have to be refined, Lewis' pure strength and motor would make him a steal for the Ravens on Day 2. Lewis shined at the Senior Bowl and surely improved his draft stock.
"It's me or you and I'm gonna choose me over you every time, so I gotta put you down. I'll chase you down or throw you outta bounds or land on top of you. I'm setting the tone early."~~ LSU OG Damien Lewis (@Damienlewis72)Who doesn't love a lineman with this mindset?? pic.twitter.com/rhBh4KMdnE
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2)
March 23, 2020 Lewis is currently projected as a third-round pick according to The Draft Network.
