RADIO
Brandon Murchison's 2020 NFL Draft predictions for the Baltimore Ravens. His 32 for 32 series looks at fantasy football implications for redraft and dynasty.
It was a record-setting season for Lamar Jackson in 2019, but will there be an encore in store in 2020? Can the Ravens offense evolve into a more balanced attack or will the fantasy value of this team continue to hinge on the running prowess of Jackson and company? Will the NFL Draft also welcome in talent to further this team's potential? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.
The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.
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2019 Review
The Ravens decided to hand the keys to the car over to the Lamar Jackson in 2019, and boy did it pay off. The NFL and fantasy MVP was a marvel for those that had the stones to draft him. Sure, most of his damage came from what he could do on the ground (1,213 yards and seven TD). But the strides he made as a passer can not go overlooked either. Jackson improved from second-to-last in catchable pass rate to 15th last season. The Ravens used Jackson's skillset perfectly as he operated the league's top offense during the regular season. His threat as a runner sets up pass blocking easier, leading to potential big plays in the passing game (three TDs of 50+ yards).
The downside to such a big year is the price you must pay in drafts in 2020. Jackson will likely go at some point in the second round in all formats and is a high price to pay at the position. But the consistency and flexibility that he gives your starting lineup may be worth it in the end. The only worry will be the expected regression coming as defenses around the league figure out this scheme.
The first year for Mark Ingram in Baltimore showed the back that we have seen as an RB1 in previous seasons. He surpassed 1,000 yards rushing on the season but his major claim to fame was his scoring potential (15 total TDs). It was amazing to see that he could be so prolific as a scorer even with Jackson handling a lot of the rushing load as well. But as the season wore on, Ingram started to give way in the backfield more and more to Gus Edwards.
Edwards, in his own right, did not before too bad (711 yards). It's clear that the team values what Edwarda can do and with the amount of rushing attempts the Ravens use weekly, they will want to keep all legs fresh. One odd thing with this backfield is the lack of usage on the pass-catching front. With a QB like Jackson, you would assume to see more check-down throws to the backs. But combined, the running backs saw just 52 targets on the year.
From a fantasy standpoint in 2020, Ingram may bring a "buyer beware" feel to him as draft season approaches. You will have to pay an RB2 price tag to acquire him, but the usage and scoring may take a hit this season. Edwards and Justice Hill could see more work in the coming season and could make this backfield a nightmare to own.
When you look at the pass-catchers on this team, it was the Mark Andrews show. He led all TEs in touchdowns and although a high catch total was not there (64), the yardage (852) combined with the scoring was enough to put him inside the top five. He is Jackson's security blanket and should continue to see opportunities to score in the red-zone. Some may view him as the third TE off the board in drafts behind George Kittle and Travis Kelce, meaning fantasy owners must be prepared to grab him early.
On the outside, Marquise Brown may have been the top-scoring fantasy option (584 yards and 7 TD) but 147 yards and two scores came in Week 1 against Miami. He was a weekly gamble in your lineups from that point on. The remaining options were waiver fodder throughout most of the 2019 season. But heading into 2020, many are expecting a step up in production from Miles Boykin. If he can find more snaps on the field and Jackson continues to progress as a passer, Boykin could be a nice late-round sleeper in drafts.
As for the NFL Draft, the Ravens will likely focus much of their attention on the defensive side of the ball. We are not used to seeing the Ravens struggle on that side of the ball. They were one of the worst in the league in pass rushing, making that a top priority for this team in the draft. I expect to see this team add several players in the front seven in the class as they look to beef up the defense.
Baltimore Ravens - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 83.8 (4th)
Defense: 74.5 (14th)
Overall: 92.1 (3rd)
TEAM NEEDS
LB, DL, WR
First Selection (1.28)
Patrick Queen, LB LSU
The Ravens find themselves a defensive gem at the bottom of the first round. Queen is fast, physical, and plays with extreme confidence on the field. He can diagnose plays very quickly and uses his body control and balance to gobble up runners. He has above average quickness that allows him to beat out blockers to a spot and make a play. His pop is eye-catching and allows him to separate from blocks to make tackles.
He has the mentality to play inside the gaps but also the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs in coverage. He may have lapses in judgment with his inexperience at the position but as he progresses at the next level he should blossom. Queen will be a great starter for this defense and a player to keep an eye on in IDP formats.
Second Selection (2.23)
Laviska Shenault, WR Colorado
The ultimate boom or bust prospect in this position class, Shenault could give this Ravens offense another weapon to use creatively. He is a three-level threat as a receiver that has outstanding physical traits and ball skills. Shenault has a more elaborate route tree than what is indicated on his game-film and was the victim of horrible QB play in college. His playmaking potential could be utilized on multiple levels in the passing game, but he will undoubtedly be deployed as a runner in certain packages as well. His bully mentality allows him to shield away defenders and create throwing windows which will help a suspect passer such as Jackson.
He saw his stock fall due to durability concerns, but make no mistake about it, Shenault is an NFL-ready prospect that could shine if being featured properly. This selection is better for his NFL potential, but from a fantasy aspect, the Ravens may not make Shenault a household name. The targets and touches will be limited here making him more of a reserve player. He should still be looked at as a second-round talent in dynasty formats, but his real draw may be as a DFS option.
Third Selection (2.28)
Justin Madubuike, DT Texas A&M
With a real need on the interior of their defensive line, the Ravens find a solid prospect in Madubuike. He may be a bit undersized for the position, but he consistently wins his battles with plus leverage. His quickness will allow defensive coaches to use him as a moving target for blockers, creating space for those behind him.
He works well off the snap and gets into his gap but may lack the strength to overpower his opposition. But overall, he shows the potential to be a highly productive tackle at the next level. Madubuike could be an integral piece as the Ravens look to rebuild a once-proud defense.
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