With the 6th pick of the first round in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select………………………….

As much as I’ve liked the thought of UCLA’s mercurial linebacker Myles Jack lined up next to CJ Mosley, I’ve disliked the wide range of reports in regards to the strength of his surgically repaired knee.  Enough to make me move away from him and once again in the direction of DeForest Buckner, the huge defensive end from Oregon.  If Jalen Ramsey is still on the board though – which I don’t expect him to be – then all bets are off.  The Ravens will sprint to the podium with his name on the card.

Buckner is as “clean” a prospect as there is in the entire draft. I’ve even thought about Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley, both outstanding offensive tackles.  But the Ravens still have Eugene Monroe under contract, and can still get an offensive tackle a littler later in the draft, as insurance if Monroe gets hurt – again.

With Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil getting up there in age, it is critical for the Ravens to have a talented young player coming off of the edge that they can count on.  With a slew of rising defensive linemen such a Brandon Williams, Timmy Jernigan and Carl Davis, Buckner would be an ideal fit.

Here’s how I see the Ravens draft unfolding this year:

Round 1 (6) DeForest Buckner DE Oregon – high motor, long frame, long arms, he has Raven written all over him. He makes sense for this team at this spot. He can rush the QB just as well as make plays in the running game, and is a perfect fit as an end in a 3-4 defense.

Round 2 (36) Eli Apple CB Ohio State – long, lean press cover corner. He is talented enough to be a day one starter, particularly over Shareece Wright and opposite Jimmy Smith.

Round 3 (70) Malcom Mitchell WR Georgia – he is a true burner that can blow the lid off of the defense, with decent hands to boot. There’s no guarantee that Breshad Perriman will get on the field this year.  The Ravens also have to consider what happens in the event Mike Wallace gets hurt.  The lack of a receiver that could really stretch the field last year really hindered the effectiveness of the Ravens’ offense.

Round 4 (104) Le’Raven Clark OT Texas Tech – drafting him at this spot just because of his name – just kidding! Huge developmental tackle.  He just doesn’t have the footwork of the elite one’s such as Tunsil and Stanley, which is why he should be available at this slot.

(130) Will Anthony Edge Navy – explosive athlete who played primarily on the interior of Navy’s defensive line. He excelled when moved outside. I believe the Ravens will focus on their defensive line, relying on pressure in order to make their defensive backs “stickier.”

(132) Landon Turner Guard North Carolina – power blocking guard who’ll have a chance to compete for the spot vacated by Kelechi Osemele.

(134) Kendall Fuller CB Virginia Tech – he excelled in 2014 and took a big step backwards last year, primarily due to injuries. He comes from a great, local football family, and he will get plenty of guidance from his older brothers.

Round 6 (182) Tyler Matekevich LB Temple – productive, straight line tackling machine. He sometimes takes bad angles, but does have a nose for the ball.

(209) Tanner McEvoy S Wisconsin – this converted QB has huge dimensions (6’6″ 230) and makes for a very intriguing prospect. Worth the gamble, particularly at this pot.

There you have it – two defensive ends, two cornerbacks, one guard, one tackle, one linebacker, one safety, and one wide receiver.