As we inch closer to the NFL Draft, we have a better idea of how the Baltimore Ravens might approach their first-round selection. The Ravens’ biggest needs are wide receiver, cornerback, edge rusher and possibly quarterback, and it’s likely one of these positions will be addressed with the 22nd pick.
Baltimore only has five picks and just two picks in the top 100. In this exercise, we will assume the Ravens stay at No. 22 and do not make any trades. I’ll go over their first-round options and how they will pivot from there in the later rounds.
In our first scenario, the Ravens go with a wide receiver in the 22nd pick. It’s no secret the offense needs playmakers at the position. Nelson Agholor was brought in to play alongside Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay, but Baltimore needs to overhaul the remainder of the receiving corps.
Who could be available in the first?
- Quentin Johnston, TCU
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
- Zay Flowers, Boston College
- Jordan Addison, USC
Johnston is a stretch to still be available at No. 22, and the Ravens should run to submit their pick if he somehow is. The other three are more likely at that slot. Baltimore needs to finally hit on a first-round receiver.
Who are their third- and fourth-round options?
Cornerback and pass rusher make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to keep in eye on in Rounds 3 and 4.
Cornerback:
Tyrique Stevenson, Miami
DJ Turner, Michigan
Darius Rush, South Carolina
Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M
Pass Rusher:
Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
Isaiah McGuire, Missouri
Byron Young, Tennessee
Caleb Murphy, Ferris State
Isaiah Hand, Florida A&M
What other needs could be addressed in Rounds 5 and 6?
The Ravens’ secondary needs are interior linemen on both side of the ball, depth at linebacker and a developmental tackle. A backup quarterback in the scenario Lamar Jackson is no longer with the team is also an option.
What could the Ravens draft hypothetically look like in this scenario?
No. 22: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
No. 86: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
No. 124: Caleb Murphy, EDGE, Ferris State
No. 157: Andrew Vorhees, IOL, USC
No. 199: Nesta Jade Silvera, IDL, Arizona State
I fully anticipate the Ravens to do some maneuvering to acquire additional draft picks, but are you satisfied with this draft?
Photo Credit: Courtesy of BC Football