After another disappointing playoff performance, our latest Baltimore Ravens 2021 7-Round NFL Mock Draft examines the areas they need to address in the 2021 NFL Draft. Can the Ravens add immediate contributors who can help them compete for a Super Bowl berth next season?
Ravens Post-Free Agency 7-Round Mock Draft
- Round 1, Pick 27: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
- Round 2, Pick 58: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
- Round 3, Pick 104: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa
- Round 4, Pick 131: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
- Round 5, Pick 171: Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia
- Round 5, Pick 184: Josh Ball, OT, Marshall
- Round 6, Pick 210: Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford
Ravens 2021 NFL Mock Draft pick-by-pick analysis
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
The Baltimore Ravens invested in an off-the-ball linebacker in Patrick Queen in the 2020 NFL Draft. While that could push them away from targeting linebackers, in this Ravens 2021 7-Round NFL Mock Draft, Baltimore adds a versatile LB in Zaven Collins.
The Ravens play a 3-4 scheme on defense, which Collins could contribute to in a number of ways. In Collins’ scouting report, Pro Football Network’s Chief Draft Analyst and NFL Insider Tony Pauline described Collins as “a game-impacting defender,” and a “true three-down defender who should quickly break into a starting lineup and comes with outstanding scheme versatility.”
Collins’ ability as an edge rusher could allow him to lineup at outside LB on early downs. The Ravens lost both Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue without bringing in replacements. Having registered 4 sacks in his junior season and 7.5 sacks for his career, Collins can offer them an option in that role.
Moreover, the Ravens also do not have a firm partner for Queen in the middle of the defense. Fellow 2020 draft pick Malik Harrison is in contention but could be beaten out by Collins in training camp. A combination of Collins and Queen at inside linebacker would be one of the most talented partnerships in the entire league.
If Harrison proves to be a valuable option, then Collins’ ability to play both roles could see him play as a true three-down linebacker. He could line up at EDGE on early downs, before dropping into a linebacker role on passing downs. That would allow the Ravens to rotate in a pass rusher who can put pressure on the QB.
Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
The Ravens need to improve at center after a tough year for the position in 2020. They’ve moved on from Matt Skura in free agency, and as a result, currently have Patrick Mekari ready to start in the middle of the line. Mekari is a solid option, but he does not have the upside that Landon Dickerson offers for the Ravens.
While Dickerson has scheme limitations, he brings a lot of upside. In Dickerson’s scouting report, Pauline describes him as a “tough, physical center” who can “hit two or even three defenders on a single snap.”
While there are certainly injury concerns with Dickerson, his physical play and effectiveness with the shotgun snap make him an intriguing fit at center for Baltimore. The injury concerns could see Dickerson fall in the draft. However, the talent should mean he ends up as a solid Day 2 selection.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa
Despite an underwhelming 2020 season, Ihmir Smith-Marsette remains an intriguing option at the back end of Day 2 for the Ravens in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. In Smith-Marsette’s scouting report, Pauline highlights his ability to make athletic receptions and catch the ball effectively away from his frame. However, Pauline also identified inconsistencies in Smith-Marsette’s play which could make teams wary.
The Ravens really need to find that second WR to play opposite Marquise Brown. Willie Snead served that role, but he left in free agency. Meanwhile, Devin Duvernay and James Proche appear to serve as more gadget or slot receivers.
Therefore, Smith-Marsette could immediately come in and make plays as a rookie. He possesses both speed and size while also being willing to make difficult catches. His speed should give him an advantage over Miles Boykin, who was rumored to play as a tight end during this past offseason.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
The Ravens have built their offense through a run-first approach, often utilizing multiple backs. In 2020, they leaned mostly on J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Edwards is due to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2021 season, however, so the Ravens take the opportunity in this 2021 mock draft to add a true game-breaker in Chuba Hubbard with him still on the board in the fourth round.
After leading the nation in rushing yards with 2,094 in 2019, Hubbard failed to make as big of an impact in 2020. After averaging over 6 yards per rush attempt in his first two seasons, he managed just 4.7 yards per attempt last season.
In his scouting report, Pauline describes Hubbard as “an explosive running back with a variety of skill whenever the ball is in his hands.”
Hubbard possesses outstanding footwork and can make defenders miss. In addition, he possesses solid skills out of the backfield when catching the ball. He could be an extremely effective rotational back in the Ravens’ scheme. He will have an opportunity to develop in 2021, before potentially stepping up into that secondary role in the 2022 season.
Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia
When you look across the Ravens depth chart, the safety position stands out as the biggest potential concern on defense. Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott are solid starters, but there is a lack of depth behind them. Richard LeCounte could be an option to come in and serve that role. Pauline describes LeCounte as a “well-built safety who is effective covering the pass and defending the run.”
While a lack of speed limits LeCounte’s upside as a potential NFL starter, he brings value in the fifth round. On Day 3, NFL teams often look to add backup level players who can contribute on special teams. LeCounte fits both of those criteria. Pauline comments that LeCounte “has enough skill to line up as a nickel safety/special teams player in the NFL.”
Josh Ball, OT, Marshall
The Ravens’ offensive line is generally considered to be very talented, especially at tackle. However, there is somewhat of a ticking time bomb in the situation with Orlando Brown Jr.
Over the offseason, Brown has made it apparent that he wants the opportunity to be a left tackle and be paid as such. With the Ravens having committed to Ronnie Stanley as one of the highest-paid offensive tackles, that looks unlikely to happen in Baltimore. With this in mind, the Ravens should look to add a future right tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft, and they get a potentially great value in this mock.
Josh Ball is coming out of a less-heralded program in Marshall. Nevertheless, the FSU transfer had a superb senior season. In Ball’s scouting report, Pauline comments that he “possesses size, growth potential, and enough athleticism to eventually develop into a starting right tackle in the NFL.”
With Brown currently occupying the right tackle position in 2021, the Ravens have the time to let Ball develop.
Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford
With the final selection in the Ravens 2021 7-Round NFL Mock Draft, targeting upside is key. The Ravens already added Smith-Marsette, but Simi Fehoko‘s talents are enticing in the sixth round.
In his scouting report, Pauline highlights how Fehoko is a physical receiver, who can outmuscle cornerbacks. In 2020, the Ravens added a WR with a similar mold in Dez Bryant.
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Fehoko also offers the potential to contribute immediately as a red-zone weapon. With time to develop, he could potentially be a valuable possession receiver with speed to spare. He would make an interesting option as a secondary receiver opposite either Brown or Smith-Marsette. Fehoko could be just the type of receiver Baltimore needs as they continue to develop Lamar Jackson as a QB.
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