NFL Mock Draft: Ravens Address Offensive Line Uncertainty
The Baltimore Ravens have already undergone significant change with their coaching staff since they were bundled out of the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, personnel takes center stage and with 23 free agents, general manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens hierarchy will have to sift through and see who they can fit inside their salary and who they can't.
Defensive duo Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen are the two big names that fans are waiting to see what their futures hold, but the offensive line that has two starters in John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler as free agents needs fortifying.
As such, in NFL.com's latest mock draft, Baltimore selects Kansas State's Cooper Beebe.
"Beebe will have to prove his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the Ravens could see him as a younger version of Kevin Zeitler, who is headed for free agency," NFL.com writes. "There are not many college linemen who can switch between both tackle spots and left guard in the same game, which is something Beebe did multiple times last season."
Michael C. Johnson, USA TODAY Sports
Beebe's versatility is likely what could attract the Ravens, but also what might attract them is his ability to protect the quarterback.
In his 12 games and 870 snaps this season, Beebe only gave up one sack and only eight quarterback hurries as he played the majority of the year at left guard.
While that is appealing, Beebe can be a beast in the run game as his aggressiveness and want to get dirty in the trenches could be just what the Ravens need as under Todd Monken, the Ravens were one of the best at running the football in the NFL.
So while Beebe wouldn't be a flashy first-round pick, he would fill a need given that Simpson and Zeitler's futures are up in the air.
