A closer look at the positions the Baltimore Ravens could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:
Positions of need:
Cornerback: The Ravens have only two proven cornerbacks under contract: Jimmy Smith, who is repeatedly hurt, and Tavon Young, who doesn't have ideal size to be a starter on the outside. The lack of depth is so troubling that Baltimore will probably have to draft a corner early and sign a veteran in free agency. This has been a position the Ravens have ignored for too long. Since 2013, the Ravens have allowed the fourth-most touchdown passes to wide receivers (78).
Pass-rusher: Terrell Suggs turns 35 in the upcoming season, and Elvis Dumervil is expected to be a salary-cap cut (he frees up $6 million in cap room). The Ravens struggled to get to the quarterback; only six teams had fewer sacks than the Ravens' 31 last season. In Baltimore's final four games -- in which the team went 1-3 -- the defense totaled three sacks. The Ravens hope Matthew Judon and Za'Darius Smith can develop to provide depth. But Baltimore needs a top-tier young rusher, something they haven't selected in the first round since Suggs in 2003.
Wide receiver: Steve Smith retired, and Kamar Aiken is an unrestricted free agent. Over the past two seasons, they represent one-quarter of Baltimore's catches and nearly one-third of the receiving yards. That's a big void to fill, considering the Ravens' top two receivers are inconsistent. Mike Wallace produced his first 1,000-yard season in five years, and Breshad Perriman played his first full season last year. Baltimore will probably sign a dependable 30-something free agent like it's done in the past with Smith, Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin.
Targets:
Derek Barnett (DE/OLB), Tennessee: He broke Reggie White's school record for career sacks last season, but there is a debate whether he'll be as effective in the NFL. Barnett doesn't show great explosion, and he isn't expected to put up elite workout numbers at the combine. Still, he led the SEC in tackles for loss (19) and sacks (13) by playing with good power and a strong motor.
Dalvin Cook (RB), Florida State: He's an elusive three-down back who can break a long run every time he touches the ball. That playmaking ability is what the Ravens lack with Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon. Cook led the nation with 52 forced missed tackles and finished with 10 career runs of 50 yards or longer. The biggest knock on Cook is ball security; he had 13 career fumbles. If Cook's numbers at the combine are disappointing, that could increase the chances of him lasting to Baltimore at the No. 16 overall pick.
Sidney Jones (CB), Washington: A three-year starter, he has the experience, football intelligence and playmaking skills to be an immediate starter. He had nine interceptions and eight force fumbles in his career. Jones also has traits the Ravens love out of their prospects: strong character, aggressiveness and durability. The biggest concern is his lack of size. He is 6 feet, 180 pounds, so there are questions about whether he will get pushed around by bigger and more physical receivers.
Teez Tabor (CB), Florida: He's a pure cover corner who has some of the best ball skills in this cornerback class. In his last two seasons, Tabor intercepted eight passes, returning three for touchdowns, and broke up 20 passes. He did give up some deep passes, and his time in the 40-yard dash will be looked at closely. Teams will probably ask Tabor about his off-the-field issues, which include being suspended for violation of a drug policy and an altercation with a teammate in practice.
Tim Williams (DE/OLB), Alabama: He is perhaps the most explosive edge rusher in this draft. Williams was unblockable at times with his speed rush and spin moves, totaling 19.5 sacks the past two seasons. So why would he last until the middle of the first round? Some consider him a pass-rush specialist and wonder whether he'll develop into an every-down linebacker. Williams was also suspended for one half of a game last season for a misdemeanor charge of carrying a pistol without a permit.