The off-season has started, which means that analysts are starting to really determine which players each team can potentially receive in the NFL’s 2021 draft. The Baltimore Ravens have some pretty big needs, but they often seek the best value instead of pursuing those needs, often choosing to meet the biggest ones for free when possible.
This makes it almost impossible to predict what Baltimore will do on recruitment day. But that will not stop ESPN recruiting analyst Todd McShay from trying and launching a few different options.
In his first mock draft after the Super Bowl LV, McShay had the Ravens grab South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn at No. 27. While McShay selected Horn on behalf of Baltimore, he restricted his bet by noting that the wide receiver could be a viable option, as well with Rashod Bateman and Elijah Moore still on the board. But with the Ravens’ philosophy in mind, McShay considers Horn a great value over other positions, perhaps a greater need.
It is also easy to see why. As McShay notes, Horn certainly has an NFL pedigree, being the son of former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn. McShay says Horn is “very instinctive” and ranked him as the third best cornerback in the 2021 draft of the NFL. But the part that can really get Baltimore’s attention is that Horn “tends to play his best in big games”.
Without a real NFL Scouting Combine this year, scouts and general managers will have to rely once again on the game’s tape and interviews to assess the player’s skill. As Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and Player Personnel Director Joe Hortiz noted last year, they specifically looked for players to improve their performance in big games. If Baltimore maintains a similar mindset this off-season, Horn may well be on their radar at No. 27.
Although the cornerback is clearly the most accumulated position of the Ravens, this is a team that never shied away from increasing. As former general manager Ozzie Newsome used to say, “you can never have too many cornerbacks”, a philosophy that proved wise last season when Baltimore was devastated by injuries in position.
With Jimmy Smith on a one-year contract, Tavon Young’s injury history, and Marcus Peters being a potential victim of capitalization already this offseason; the Ravens should replenish the depth chart with top talent. At worst, Baltimore would be able to develop Horn slowly for a year or two before asking him to start. The best scenario is for Horn to take the field frequently as a beginner and play at the Pro Bowl level.
As simulated drafts continue to emerge in the coming months, don’t be terribly shocked if some unexpected positions get some attention.