A closer look at the positions the Baltimore Ravens could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:
Positions of need: The Ravens went heavy on defense in free agency and the draft last season. In fact, last year was the first draft in franchise history in which the Ravens didn't select an offensive skill-position player. That's why Baltimore has to reverse course to upgrade the supporting cast for quarterback Joe Flacco and improve the NFL's No. 27 offense.
The Ravens desperately need to draft a wide receiver because their top two (Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin) could be gone and Breshad Perriman has been a bust. They need a pass-catching tight end because Benjamin Watson is a free agent and Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle are better at blocking. They potentially need a starting right tackle (if they decline the option on Austin Howard) and center (if Ryan Jensen leaves in free agency).
Baltimore will also not pass up a playmaking running back even though the team has depth at that spot. The Ravens have expressed interest in taking a developmental quarterback to back up Flacco. In other words, Baltimore will focus on every single offensive position at the combine after not doing enough for that side of the ball last offseason.
That being said, the Ravens also will be taking a hard look at inside linebackers. Baltimore never filled the void next to C.J. Mosley after Zachary Orr retired. So, there's no guarantee the Ravens will use their No. 16 overall pick on offense.
Three players the Ravens should focus on at combine:
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: Yes, this is likely a pipe dream. Many expect Ridley to go to the Chicago Bears at No. 8. The reason he's mentioned here is because he's perhaps the only wide receiver Baltimore would consider in the middle of the first round. The Ravens know more than any team how difficult it is to hit on a wide receiver in the first round (see Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton and Perriman), so they're not going to reach for one. Ridley isn't Julio Jones or A.J. Green, which is why there is a chance of him surprisingly sliding. But he's the best of this year's wide receiver class because of his acceleration and competitiveness. Ridley falling to the Ravens is obviously their dream scenario.
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma: The son of the former Ravens right tackle is rated as the best offensive tackle by Todd McShay and the second best by Mel Kiper Jr. Like his father, Brown is a massive mauler who plays with impressive power. But the knock on Brown has been his conditioning and flexibility, which is why his showing at the combine could impact his draft stock. Baltimore can pair Brown with Ronnie Stanley to give the offensive line two young quality bookends.
Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama: The Ravens love their defensive players out of Alabama, and Evans would give Baltimore an all-Tide core to the defense with Mosley. This wouldn't be a popular pick because the Ravens' biggest needs lie on offense. But Evans has great speed, range and explosiveness. He totaled 66 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and three passes broken up. Evans would solidify the biggest hole on a defense that ranked No. 6 in fewest points allowed last season.