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 offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback and edge rusher, and it’s likely one of these positions will be addressed with the 30th pick.
Baltimore has nine picks after the trade of Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. In this exercise, we will assume the Ravens stay at No. 30 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 third scenario, the Ravens go with a wide receiver with their top choice. Of all the scenarios we are going through, a receiver in the first round is the least likely. GM Eric DeCosta used the Ravens’ first pick on Zay Flowers last year and has drafted a receiver in the first round in three of the last five drafts.
Who could be available in the first round?
- Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
- Adonai Mitchell, Texas
- Ladd McConkey, Georgia
- Xavier Legette, South Carolina
- Xavier Worthy, Texas
Every team in the league would like to add Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers to their receiving corps, but there is no chance the Ravens land either. Rome Odunze will also likely go in the top 15 picks. After the top three, it’s pick your choice at wideout. All five guys could be an option at No. 30.
Who are their Day 2 options?
Cornerback and offensive line make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to keep in eye on in Rounds 2 and 3.
Cornerback:
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
- Max Melton, Rutgers
- Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
- Mike Sainristil, Michigan
- Andru Phillips, Kentucky
Offensive Linemen:
- Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
- Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
- Christian Haynes, Connecticut
- Patrick Paul, Houston
- Dominick Puni, Kansas
What other needs could be addressed on draft night?
The Ravens also have needs at linebacker and safety as well as receiver and running back.
What could the Ravens draft hypothetically look like in this scenario?
Round 1, Pick 30: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Round 2, Pick 62: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
Round 3, Pick 93: Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
Round 4, Pick 113 (from NYJ): Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
Round 4, Pick 130: Beau Brade, S, Maryland
Round 5, Pick 165: Nelson Ceaser, EDGE, Houston
Round 6, Pick 218: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR, Georgia
Round 7, Pick 228 (from NYJ): Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
Round 7, Pick 250: Jalen Sundell, OT, North Dakota State
I fully anticipate the Ravens to do some maneuvering, but are you satisfied with this draft?
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Texas Athletics