2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bears trade into top 10, Washington Football Team goes offense

Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Georgia EDGE Azeez Ojulari. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia EDGE Azeez Ojulari. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens. Azeez Ojulari. 31. player. 26. . Edge Rusher/Linebacker

With their second first-round pick, the Ravens have options. They could opt to take a tackle to help replace Orlando Brown, but they already have Tyre Phillips on the roster and may sign Alejandro Villanueva or Dennis Kelly to provide veteran depth there.

Another offensive line option is Alabama center Landon Dickerson. The Ravens had a lot of trouble snapping the ball to Lamar Jackson last year, so if they’re not confident in Patrick Mekari performing well there, the Alabama product would be a sensible addition, as he’s a great leader and high-character player.

The team could also go for a pass rusher here. Both Miami players, Gregory Rousseau and Jaelan Phillips, are still on the board, but Azeez Ojulari makes the most sense for Baltimore.

Ojulari may not have great size at 6-foot-2, 249 pounds, but he is a quick, athletic force off the edge that could pair well with what Baltimore has on their roster. A lot of their current players are strong edge setters that may not be top-notch pass rushers. But with his athletic ability and his proven production — 8.5 sacks last year in the SEC — he could easily pan out for the team.

To find success in the NFL, Ojulari probably has to play in a 3-4 scheme. That could limit his appeal in the first round, as he’ll have fewer suitors in the late stages of the draft. After landing a productive SEC receiver with their first pick, the Ravens can go for another productive SEC player in the hopes of adding quality playmakers on both sides of the ball.

For those wondering why Phillips isn’t the pick here, it’s more about injury history than anything else. Phillips has a history of concussions, so in this year without the combine and the usual plethora of medical tests prospects perform, that could cause him to slip to the final few picks of Round 1, or to the second round altogether.