With eight picks on Day 3, General Manager Ozzie Newsome and the Baltimore Ravens had their work cut out for them. Here’s how the board fell for them:
104. Tavon Young, CB, Temple
Although undersized (5091, 183) and lacking in play strength, there’s no doubting Young’s abilities. The lead cornerback for a standout Temple Owl defense this season, Young notched 4 interceptions and 21 passes defensed over the last two seasons. Likely limited to the slot at the next level, Young lacks top-notch short-area quickness or twitchiness, meaning he may struggle to cover the cream of the slot crop. However, he’s an excellent ballhawk and will step into a nickel role for Baltimore quickly.
107. Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati
If there’s one thing a quarterback like Joe Flacco likes to do, it’s throw the deep ball. Moore is custom-made for the Raven offense in that regard. A limited route-runner but impressive vertical threat, Moore attacks and high-points balls downfield. He’s a major project to prepare for a more expanded NFL role, but he can easily be a deep threat for Flacco.
130: Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska
While he (understandably) won’t garner the headlines that top selection Ronnie Stanley will, Lewis still adds some youth and appropriate frame to the Ravens offensive line corps. I particularly like his 34″ arms, good news for an outside protector. However, he’s a bit of a high-strength lumberer on the field, with 27 reps at the combine but just a 5.22 40 yard dash.
132: Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
Almost makes you wonder if the head coach of one team has a direct link to the other, doesn’t it? Henry offers a lot of different options at offensive line. He may have the height and weight to make a splash at interior line, but some nice quickness and explosion from his position will also get him by on interim periods outside. He’ll pick up some reps at nose tackle.
134: Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
In a passing-based league, Dixon’s skillset as a receiving back lines up well with Baltimore. He has the ability to play but will be pressed to exorcise the demons befalling his draft stock from going to Louisiana Tech, where he may not have faced the best of competition. And oh yeah, he briefly set the record for most rushing TDs in the college ranks. Expect him to become a part of the RB rotation very quickly in a wide open battle, with starter upside.
146: Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State
Few players in Division 2 have had quite the career that Matt Judon has. His 2015 stat line is something to behold – 20 sacks, 23.5 TFL, 3 FF and 3 FR. Like many of the names on this list, Judon went to a smaller school, but has the talent to contribute at the NFL level. Judon will likely begin his NFL career as a sub-package DE, but could form a ferocious pass-rushing tandem with fellow rookies Kamalei Correa or Bronson Kaufusi down the line.
182: Keenan Reynolds, WR, Navy
What do you do for an NFL team that already has the second-most prolific college rushing TD leader? You add the first-place one. Much has been made about Keenan Reynolds, the Navy triple-option QB in the media. I’m not sure if he’s a WR or RB at the next level, but this OW (“offensive weapon”) will be able to contribute.
209: Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia
I personally wasn’t high on Canady, but that value in Round 6 cannot be denied. A height/weight guy, Canady also has better than average awareness and quick processing. That said, his deep speed is questionable and Canady does get scared of his own shadow and work far too hard to keep the back end protected, to the detriment of yardage underneath.
