Russell Street Report Lombardi's Way Ravens No. 1 Pick Will Not be Flawless

There is not a Top 10 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft that can be considered a sure-fire can’t miss prospect. Regardless of who they select, the Ravens No. 1 pick will not be flawless.

Mystery, Intrigue Characterize The 2016 NFL Draft

Thankfully the mock drafts will soon end and the Baltimore Ravens will make their long-awaited first pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. All of the mystery and intrigue over who the pick will be will end.

The Ravens pick could be any of seven players – players who are good but none who are bulletproof picks; none who don’t evoke questions or concerns given the premium quality of the No. 6 pick.

Laremy Tunsil was suspended for seven games in 2015 for accepting gifts and other impermissible benefits under NCAA rules. He wasn’t what you would say forthright initially when confronted about the transgressions. The Ravens have not yet met with Tunsil privately, something you’d think they would do by now to ascertain his trustworthiness if he was their guy.

Jalen Ramsey is physical beast. All of the measurables are there but the production at the collegiate level isn’t. Three interceptions in 41 games from a guy most believe is better suited for safety than corner, isn’t particularly exciting. Ramsey has struggled against fleet-footed players with excellent change of direction skills. If I’m not mistaken there’s a guy like that in the AFC North named Antonio Brown.

Joey Bosa has a few lingering character concerns and many feel he is who he is. In other words, some don’t expect him to get any better as a pro and the Ravens will be asking him to adapt to their hybrid 3-4 scheme. That means he’ll play a bit slower initially in the NFL. Add it up and that could lead to a disappointing rookie campaign.

Myles Jack is perhaps the best athlete amongst the seven prospects the Ravens will choose from. This one is on their doctors and if the team’s medical staff is comfortable, Jack is a no-brainer if available. A fast linebacker with good hands and cover skills, perhaps in part a credit to the days when he was a running back, are highly desirable in today’s spread-it-out NFL.

DeForest Buckner might not be the impact player that the Ravens are looking for. He’s been compared to Calais Campbell but that’s in stature only. Buckner’s collegiate production doesn’t approach Campbell’s. Plus it’s interesting that the Ravens haven’t met with Buckner at any level – not privately, not at the combines, nothing. The same goes for Ezekiel Elliott who also brings a little character baggage.

And then there’s Ronnie Stanley. The Ravens have met with him at the Combines and privately. Could that be a smokescreen? Maybe. Stanley is compared by some to the player he’d ultimately replace in Baltimore – Eugene Monroe.

Is that what you want from the Ravens at No. 6?

Questions and concerns abound. No pick comes without some level of discomfort.

Mystery and intrigue always precede the draft.

For the Ravens, whoever they pick, there will still be mystery and intrigue for quite awhile.