My NFL Nation mock draft prediction that the Baltimore Ravens would select Western Kentucky guard Forrest Lamp wasn't very well received.
The reaction on Twitter ranged from someone blocking me to another suggesting I embarrassed the franchise with the choice. Even ESPN analyst and former general manager Bill Polian gave me the dreaded gong for my pick.
The backlash is understandable (and entirely expected) considering two of the more popular picks for the Ravens at No. 16 -- wide receivers Corey Davis and Mike Williams -- were still available. The addition of a playmaking wide receiver for quarterback Joe Flacco makes a lot of sense for a team that lost Steve Smith Sr. to retirement and never replaced him.
Let's just not discount the Ravens' need for an offensive lineman and the possibility that Lamp can turn out to be Baltimore's first-round selection. Offensive line has become an increased priority for Baltimore after right tackle Rick Wagner signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency and center Jeremy Zuttah was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said earlier this offseason that he wants to build a "great" offensive line. The Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders showed how strong blockers can become an integral part of a playoff team.
Here are some reasons Lamp could be the Ravens' first pick in the 2017 draft:
Lamp could be the Ravens' highest-rated player on their board when they're on the clock. He's been ranked among the top 10 prospects in this year's draft by some analysts and is generally considered the No. 1 offensive lineman in a very weak class. Lamp possesses a lot of traits the Ravens like in their first-round picks, from being physical and experienced to being a strong leader. His NFL comparison is Zack Martin, who was targeted by the Ravens in the 2014 draft.
Lamp's draft profile reads like Marshal Yanda. He's a technician. He blocks to the whistle. He competes with a stubborn mentality. The biggest drawback is his short arms. It's reminiscent of the scouting report on Yanda, a third-round pick in 2007 who has become one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
Lamp's versatility is an asset. Baltimore is heading into the draft either looking for a center (who can replace Zuttah), a guard (if Alex Lewis moves out to right tackle) or a right tackle (who can fill the void left by Wagner). Lamp is the only top prospect who can play every position on the line. There has been talk that Lamp can transition from a college left guard to an NFL guard or center.
The Willie Taggart connection. Taggart, now the coach at Oregon, lured Lamp to Western Kentucky when he was the coach there. Why is this relevant? Taggart is a close friend of the Harbaugh family. In fact, Taggart, played for the father, Jack Harbaugh, at Western Kentucky. Taggart's best man in his wedding was Jim Harbaugh. In other words, the Ravens can get plenty of insight on Lamp from Taggart.
There are plenty of directions for the Ravens to go in this year. They need to add a wide receiver, pass-rusher, inside linebacker, cornerback, defensive lineman, running back and, yes, offensive lineman. While it's plausible the Ravens bring in a wide receiver who can produce plays, they also could select someone who can give him more times to deliver passes to his playmakers.
