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NFL Draft 2016: Ravens gamble on Navy QB Keenan Reynolds

By Tanner Sperry

Dec 28, 2015; Annapolis, MD, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) rushes for his third touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Navy-Marine Corps. Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Annapolis, MD, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) rushes for his third touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Navy-Marine Corps. Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Like a few other teams in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens made a peculiar move, here in their selection of Navy’s Keenan Reynolds.

The NFL Draft featured a few surprises in the first two days with Laremy Tunsil falling to No. 13, the Dallas Cowboys taking Jaylon Smith in the second despite an injury that will cost him his rookie year at least and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trading up into the second to take kicker Roberto Aguayo.

And now, Ravens pick Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds, despite the fact that he may not even suit up for the team in the near future.

Navy players have a duty to serve coming outside of school, but arrangements could be made. Unless Reynolds gets a nod for immediate participation in the NFL, he’ll have to wait two years before getting on the field and because of this situation, I didn’t expect Reynolds to get drafted.

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As a football player, Reynolds is a great pick because he’s athletic enough to make the conversion to receiver/running back/return specialist. He set the NCAA’s all-time touchdowns record at 88 last season so you know he has a nose for the end zone.

Even though he was a quarterback at Navy, running became the norm with the triple-option offense, so his skill set for the NFL would fit him best as a running back or receiver.

Reynolds also has great leadership attributes, so he can be counted on both on and off the field. He should also be able to pick up the offense quickly despite making a position switch since he’s had experience running the complicated and tricky triple option.

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Even though Reynolds may have to add a bit of weight, he’s got what it takes to be a fantastic NFL player for years to come. Even if he has to wait to play, this Raven’s selection should pay off, but obviously, it’d be ideal for him to play soon.

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