OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The NFL draft is shaping up to be an important one for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In an offseason where the Ravens' biggest addition on offense has been guard John Simpson, general manager Eric DeCosta believes the team is positioned to improve Jackson's supporting cast in this draft. Baltimore could use an early chunk of its 11 draft picks to land a starting interior offensive lineman, a No. 2 tight end and a quality wide receiver.
"The positions we need, we feel really strong that we can address in the draft," DeCosta said.
With the Ravens holding the No. 14 pick, DeCosta described that spot as a "sweet spot" for offensive linemen and wide receivers. Baltimore's biggest need is the offensive line, where the Ravens need to find a replacement for Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum (signed with Las Vegas Raiders in free agency) and an upgrade over right guard Andrew Vorhees.
The prospects most heavily linked to the Ravens in the first round have been Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano and Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane. Fano is known for being the most versatile offensive lineman in this draft, and Ioane is considered the top guard in this year's class.