Ravens' GM Eric DeCosta discussed the team's draft strategy, mentioning the board will be set by the end of the week with a focus on specific draft ranges. DeCosta emphasized the importance of adding depth to the roster and hinted at drafting a running back this year. The team is still evaluating the fifth-year option for Odafe Oweh and Rashod Bateman, with decisions to be made post-draft. DeCosta also highlighted the review of offensive linemen and the desire to add a talented corner in the upcoming draft.
Eric DeCosta: There's probably a pretty strong chance we'll draft a RB at some point. https://t.co/9x9FeJUdA6
DeCosta said you never know when asked about making another addition before draft, but noted Kyle Van Noy was one of his last items on his pre-draft check list. "I don't know that we'll really do a lot over the next couple of weeks" beyond draft preparation.
DeCosta said the team probably has "less draftable players" on their board this year. Cited fewer underclassmen available.
DeCosta: "We're in the same place as we were last year at this time. We have a lot of time to make moves. We're still building."
DeCosta said there is a pretty strong chance that the team will draft a RB. Said there's not a first-round RB in this year's draft, but they like a lot of the RBs that will go off the board between the third and fifth rounds.
Eric DeCosta said there's a "pretty strong chance" the Ravens draft a running back in this year's draft.
DeCosta on whether the team's recent history in drafting first-round WRs would impact the potential of taking a first-round WR again this year: "If there's a player that's there that we think is too good to pass up on, we're going to take him," he said.
DeCosta: "We would love to add a talented corner at some point in this draft."
DeCosta: "We see this year's draft and next year's draft as a chance to build up the (roster) depth again."
DeCosta said the fifth-year option questions for Odafe Oweh and Rashod Bateman will be answered after the draft. Said team still has a month to make the decision.
DeCosta: "I like the idea of having more picks, but I'd want to have more picks in specific range of the draft." In other words, DeCosta doesn't feel like the Ravens need more late round draft picks.
DeCosta said team spent all day yesterday, from 9 am to 6 pm, reviewing the offensive linemen in this draft class.
Eric DeCosta said they’re in the midst of draft meetings and should have their board ready by the end of the week. https://t.co/HR9cJ7Lx0e
Ravens pre-draft press conference is underway. Eric DeCosta said that by the end of this week, their board will likely be set by the end of the week. And then some alterations could be made draft week.