The Baltimore Ravens lost a number of players in free agency from their Super Bowl winning roster, but after stocking up on draft picks and making smart contract decisions, the team is ready to make a big move in the NFL draft and that could mean a trade up into the top of the first round.
According to NFL.com, the Ravens are interested in possibly trading up into the top 10 to select left tackle Lane Johnson from Oklahoma with the possibility of losing free-agent tackle Bryant McKinnie. The team still could re-sign him, but since the Ravens have 12 draft picks, they have some options to work with to package a deal to trade up in the first round. Two of the likely options for trade partners is the Arizona Cardinals at seven and the Cleveland Browns at six, as both have expressed interest in trading down and getting more picks.
The Cardinals are interested in Johnson, but with the Dolphins and Chargers also angling to get him, they could use their position to get more picks from the Ravens, who have enough to spare. General manager Ozzie Newsome doesn't usually make first round trades, but after winning the Super Bowl and having so many picks, the chance to take a franchise left tackle may be too good to pass up.
The Ravens see Johnson as the third best left tackle behind Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher and to get him they likely will have to jump ahead of the Dolphins and Chargers, who also desperately need a tackle. The Dolphins are working on a trade for Branden Albert, but since it is taking time there is a chance that they will trade up instead. The Chargers are looking for help at left tackle after releasing disappointment Jared Gaither and have long coveted Johnson.
The 49ers are a team that has been looking to trade up, although it likely couldn't be for Johnson but rather a defensive player like Sharrif Floyd or Dee Milliner. After signing Joe Flacco to an extension and winning the Super Bowl the Ravens could take a chance and likely would not suffer too much if it doesn't work out.
