COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 02: Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 2, 2019, in College Park, Maryland. Michigan defeated Maryland 38-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Which five players should the Baltimore Ravens look to take at pick 27?
John Harbaugh and the front office for the Baltimore Ravens have done a spectacular job fielding competitive teams each year. With low draft selections, savvy trades, and key signings, this club has been contending for a playoff spot nearly every year recently.
In 2019, the team was the best in the league at 14-2. After an early-round playoff exit, the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens had an up and down 2020, resulting in a Wild Card playoff berth with an 11-5 record.
The Ravens started 5-1 then fell to 6-5 by Week 12. However, the team would not lose a single regular-season game after that and finished on a five-game winning streak to win out. Jackson would lead them to a Wild Card win against the Tennessee Titans, but the Buffalo Bills proved too much for the Ravens the next week in the Divisional Round.
Not a bad season. But, also, not a successful one after Jackson was the MVP of the league and the team went 14-2 the year before. Now, the question surrounding the organization and general manager Eric DeCosta is, “how can we get this team back to that elite level?”
The draft is a good start. A lot of the team’s inconsistencies and midseason struggles were on the offensive side. In 10 of the 11 regular-season games the team won, the offense scored 27+. In the five losses, Jackson’s unit only racked up 24 or fewer.
At pick 27, there will likely be some offensive skill position players to nab. Simultaneously, a few important defensive players are hitting free agency (Matt Judon, Yannick Ngakoue), and offensive line help might also be welcomed.
So, which way should DeCosta and company lean in the first round?
5. Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan
As mentioned above, DeCosta will have to make some rather large decisions regarding two of the team’s best pass rushers. Judon and Ngakoue are both scheduled free agents, and it is likely one of, if not both, do not return to Baltimore.
On paper, Judon played well while Ngakoue did not have a fantastic season in 2020. Judon led the team with six sacks in 14 games on his way to his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod, while Ngakoue racked up three sacks after his in-season trade from the Minnesota Vikings. He played nine regular-season contests for the Ravens.
In 2019, Judon made his first Pro Bowl with a career-high 9.5 sacks. In 76 games for the Ravens, he accumulated 34.5 sacks. In Ngakoue’s case, we know how dominant he is when settled in.
Therefore, a contingency plan is a must, and the draft is the perfect place to supplement the potential loss of both Judon and Ngakoue. One name to watch is Michigan’s Kwity Paye.
Playing under the other Harbaugh (Jim) at Michigan, Paye performed well for the Wolverines. His 2020 season statistics do not justify his ability. Rather, look at his numbers from 2019 when he had 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
Paye’s draft-day projections seem to skew all over the place. Some seem to view him as an early-round talent, while others have him falling into the latter picks of the first round. He presents a lot of potential. He is physically big and a player that may be able to use all of his tools and size to become a game-wrecker at the next level.
Regardless of his projections, Paye should be evaluated properly by the team’s scouting department and front office.