As we inch closer to the draft, we have a better idea of how the Baltimore Ravens might approach their first-round selection. The Ravens biggest needs are cornerback, edge rusher and wide receiver, 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.
Scenario 1: Wide Receiver (prior to the Odell Beckham Jr. signing)
Scenario 2: Cornerback
In our third scenario, the Ravens go with a pass rusher with the 22nd pick. There is a lot of uncertainty on the edges. Odafe Oweh has not lived up to his first-round selection. Baltimore is counting on David Ojabo to make a huge leap in his first full season. Tyus Bowser was also rehabbing his Achilles injury for much of the 2022 campaign. Veterans Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul are both currently free agents and it’s still unclear if either will return.
Who could be available in the first?
- Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
- Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
- Nolan Smith, Georgia
- Myles Murphy, Clemson
I could see all four players going in the top 15 picks. I also envision a scenario in which any of the four are still available. Smith is skyrocketing up draft boards with impressive workouts at the combine and his pro day. Wilson and Murphy are freakishly athletic and can make an impact immediately. Van Ness is a bit raw, which we heard about Oweh as well.
Who are their third- and fourth-round options?
Cornerback and wide receiver, even with the addition of Beckham, make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to keep in eye on in Rounds 3 and 4.
Wide Receiver:
Rashee Rice, SMU
Rakim Jarrett, Maryland
Nathaniel Dell, Houston
Tyler Scott, Cincinnati
Trey Palmer, Nebraska
Cornerback:
Tyrique Stevenson, Miami
DJ Turner, Michigan
Darius Rush, South Carolina
Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M
What other needs could be addressed in Rounds 5 and 6?
The Ravens’ secondary needs are interior linemen on both sides of the ball, a developmental tackle and depth at the remaining positions.
What could the Ravens draft hypothetically look like in this scenario?
No. 22: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
No. 86: DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
No. 124: Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
No. 157: Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington
No. 199: Anthony Johnson, S, Iowa 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 Georgia Athletics