By Joe Schiller
The Ravens have only made a supplemental draft pick just once in franchise history, but have shown continued interest in prospects. Last year, they attended workouts and interviewed former Mississippi State safety Brandon Bryant.
Five prospects are eligible for tomorrow's supplemental draft and there are two players that could make sense for the Ravens to take a chance on.
West Virginia WR Marcus Simms
General Manager Eric DeCosta made it a priority to add an influx of young receiving talent this offseason and former West Virginia wide receiver Marcus Simms could be an interesting name to consider.
Why the Ravens Would Draft Simms
According to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, the Ravens were in attendance for Simms' pro day workout.
Workout for supplemental draft prospect Marcus Simms /WR/WVU getting underway. Among those in attendance are Directors of Scouting for the Vikings & 49ers, Director of Personnel for the Ravens and Mike Mayock of the Oakland Raiders. About 16 teams in attendance.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) July 1, 2019Does that mean the Ravens are ready to fork over a draft pick? Probably not, but Simms' skillset is enough to warrant interest from a team that's in the process of rebuilding its wide receiver core.
Simms was the third-leading receiver for the Mountaineers in 2018, catching 46 passes for 699 yards and two touchdowns. He entered the transfer portal following the season and eventually elected to enter the supplemental draft.
The Draft Network's Brad Kelly profiled Simms' ability to win deep balls and double as a special teams returner, a position that's currently wide open in Baltimore.
"[Simms'> natural ability as a downfield threat led to Simms averaging 16.8 yards per reception over the past two seasons. Despite just 62 targets this past season (via ExpandTheBoxscore), Simms produced 46 receptions and 699 yards, good for a completion percentage north of 74% and over 11 yards per target. For a receiver who was heavily targeted on "low percentage" throws, those are fantastic figures."
Why the Ravens Wouldn't Draft Simms
The Ravens spent first and third-round picks on Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Miles Boykin. They also signed veteran free-agents Seth Roberts and Michael Floyd, while adding priority undrafted rookies in Antoine Wesley and Sean Modster. For a team that could take only five or six receivers on the 53-man roster, it may not make sense spending a mid-to-late round 2020 draft pick on a player that might not even make the 53-man roster.
Not to mention, the Ravens already traded away their 2020 seventh-round pick for running back Ty Montgomery before last year's trade deadline.
Syracuse LB Shyheim Cullen
The former Cuse linebacker was suspended for academic reasons before the start of the spring semester this year. Cullen totaled 31 tackles and one sack in 10 games during the 2018 season.
Why the Ravens Would Draft Cullen
The Ravens lost one of their biggest defensive pieces this offseason when C.J. Mosley signed a five-year deal with the New York Jets in free agency. Cullen is far from even being considered a starter, but would add key depth to one of the thinnest positions on the depth chart. Cullen also contributed as a key special teams player at Syracuse, an area the Ravens definitely value.
Why the Ravens Wouldn't Draft Cullen
He likely isn't going to get drafted. The Ravens covet draft picks as much as any team. If Cullen isn't garnering draft consideration, then it wouldn't be worth spending a late round pick. Not to mention, Cullen would become a free-agent eligible to sign with any team if he's not selected in the supplemental draft.
