Ravens Top 3 NFL Draft Needs: Pressure on GM Eric DeCosta

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has five picks in the upcoming draft so he'll have to find impact players with each selection.

Legendary coach Bill Parcells had a famous line adding playmakers to the roster.

''It's just like a friend of mine told me,'' Parcells once said. '' 'If they want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries.' ''

When it comes to the NFL draft, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is clearly in charge.

There is a dialogue with coach John Harbaugh, but ultimately, the selection is DeCosta’s decision.

That won’t change with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who will be challenged to boost Baltimore’s attack, particularly with the passing game.

However, DeCosta plans to listen to Monken’s input.

“Anytime you bring in a new coordinator, there are going to be some slight changes,” DeCosta said. “I think our system is intact; that’s not going to change. Our system for evaluating and building out a Draft board is not going to change. And basically, the culture and what we look for at most positions will not change. The fiber of what we believe in, in players (will not change).''

As of now, the Ravens' top three needs in the draft are:

• Wide Receiver

• Cornerback

• Edge Rusher

However, the team might also consider selecting a quarterback depending on how the contract negotiations with Lamar Jackson shake out.

The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which means he can have contract talks with other teams. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, Baltimore has the right to match the offer to keep him or take two first-round picks as compensation. 

Under that scenario, DeCosta might be tempted to make a move for a player like Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson to groom him to be the eventual starter.

The Ravens have to be smart because they have only five selections in the upcoming draft.

There will be pressure to find impact players with those selections.

DeCosta remains confident with the team's strategy, but he knows it's sometimes a crapshoot.

"It’s like investing in the stock market," he said. "You might have some up and down years, but if you continue to invest, eventually you’re going to see you come out ahead.''