In recent days, Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta referred to league meetings as a “liars luncheon.”
Humor aside, the newly minted general manager aims to put the Ravens in the best position moving forward.
Later in the same interview, DeCosta discussed draft plans and the potential for trade talks with his fellow GMs.
When asked if the Ravens were planning on making moves prior to the draft, DeCosta replied “never say never,” leaving the door open for potential moves to shore up the roster of the reigning AFC North champions. While DeCosta cannot be phased by the moves Cleveland has made in recent weeks, he should look to improve the roster through trades, free agency pickups, and the draft. The Ravens could be in the market for edge rushers and offensive linemen both in the trade market and in the draft.
When asked about the edge rushers of the class, DeCosta replied with “we’re excited about that.” The Ravens may not pull the trigger on an edge at No. 22, but potential Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith replacements could come on Day Two or Three of the draft.
DeCosta was asked directly about wide receiver prospect D.K. Metcalf as well. DeCosta lauded the Rebel’s eye for the big play and the end zone. The original question mentioned Metcalf’s appearance as a “flash over substance” player, but DeCosta turned the backhanded compliment around by describing Metcalf as a fast, strong, and big target who could create his own offense.
The Ravens’ first appearance in the draft is at No. 22, barring an unlikely trade up. Concerning said selection, DeCosta said, “if there’s a great player there at 22, we’ll make the pick. One thing we’ve shown is we know how to manufacture picks.
While the Ravens have whiffed on some recent picks, they have also developed a culture of making home run selections including Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, and Suggs.
Entering his first draft as a full-fledged general manager, DeCosta has positioned himself to lead the Ravens into a new era of success as he shapes the roster into a perennial contender.
While the Ravens currently occupy the top spot in the AFC North, the likes of Cleveland and Pittsburgh have made moves which have closed the gap between the teams, leading some to predict a division crown for the Browns.
As a whole, the Ravens have enough talent to compete with the upper tier of the AFC, but DeCosta will look to maximize talent at each position.
With various holes in the roster, DeCosta will certainly try to patch them with the best available players and to push the Ravens toward Lombardi No. 3.
