The Baltimore Ravens desperately need a cornerback, and that's exactly what ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. gave them.

In his second mock draft of the year, Kiper has the Ravens selecting Washington cornerback Sidney Jones. He is considered one of the top five prospects in a very deep cornerback class this year, and he could turn out to be the best one.

While Jones has been projected by some to go later in the first round, he would make a lot of sense for the Ravens at No. 16. He has the experience (three-year starter), football intelligence and playmaking skills (nine interceptions and eight force fumbles in his career) to be an immediate starter. He also has traits that the Ravens love out of their prospects: strong character, aggressive and durable.

The biggest concern is his lack of size. There are questions about whether he will get pushed around by bigger and more physical receivers because Jones is 6 foot, 180 pounds. He will need to put on more muscle but not at the expense of losing speed.

Cornerback is the biggest need for Baltimore. The Ravens' top four cornerbacks last season were Jimmy Smith, who is repeatedly injured; Tavon Young, who lacks ideal size to be an outside corner; Jerraud Powers, who is a free agent; and Shareece Wright, who struggled more than any defender on the Ravens.

The Ravens really want to upgrade a cornerback position that has diminished in recent years. Baltimore hasn't selected a cornerback in the first three rounds in the last five drafts.

If the draft goes as Kiper projects, the Ravens will improve the pass defense with one of the most polished defenders in the draft.