The Ravens went on the defensive with their first pick of the draft, selecting Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins with the No. 30 overall pick. The Ravens are set to have a pair of picks on the second night of the draft, with the No. 62 pick in the second round and the No. 93 pick in the third round.
The Ravens have six Day Three picks, and it’s possible the Ravens will look to package some of those in a move for a higher Day Two pick, especially since general manager Eric DeCosta has said this year’s draft class overall is not as deep as some previous years. Of course, they’d have to find a suitor for any such deal, and other GMs might have reached the same conclusion and might be loathe to take on later Day Three picks this year.
DeCosta has praised the depth of the offensive line class in this year’s draft, which remains perhaps the team’s biggest need with three starters gone from last year’s team.
Eight offensive linemen were selected in the opening round of the draft, including Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton immediately before the Ravens pick, but speaking after the first round, DeCosta said he still sees plenty of offensive line talent on his board.
Here are five players that could be in play for the Ravens when they are on the clock on Friday night:
COOPER BEEBE, G, KANSAS STATE: Beebe started at both guard and tackle in his Kansas State career and was a first-team All-Big 12 pick at left guard this past season. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says Beebe is most comparable to Kevin Zeitler, one of the two starting guards the Ravens need to replace this season. Beebe (6-3, 322) has power and strength and at No. 46 overall, he’s the highest-rated guard on Mel Kiper’s big board as the second round begins.
CHRIS BRASWELL, EDGE, ALABAMA: Braswell (6-3, 251) is a Baltimore native who grew up in Perry Hall and went to St. Frances before becoming a five-star recruit for Alabama. He had 42 tackles, blocked a kick and returned an interception for a touchdown this past year for the Crimson Tide. With Jadeveon Clowney gone and David Ojabo’s health still a big question, the Ravens will be looking to add to their edge group. It’s a safe bet that Alabama man Ozzie Newsome has given a long look to Braswell, who is ranked No. 53 overall by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.
BLAKE FISHER, T, NOTRE DAME: Could the Ravens bookend their line with a pair of Golden Domers? Fisher (6-6, 310) started 26 tackles at right tackle for the Fighting Irish and would be a candidate to replace the departed Morgan Moses opposite left tackle and Notre Dame alum Ronnie Stanley. Fisher, 21, is an early entry in the draft who just finished his redshirt sophomore season for the Irish. Jeremiah has him ranked No. 54 overall.
CHRISTIAN HAYNES, G, CONNECTICUT: Haynes was a four-year starter at right guard for the Huskies, and the Ravens have an opening there after Kevin Zeitler was signed away by the Detroit Lions. Haynes (6-3, 317) is praised for his football IQ and has plenty of experience. He was at UConn for six years, including a redshirt season and the dormant 2020 COVID year. He turned 24 earlier this month. He’s viewed as one of the top available guards.
ROMAN WILSON, WR, MICHIGAN: John Harbaugh has always gotten good intel on Michigan players from his brother, though that might change now with Jim in the NFL as well. Despite signing Rashod Bateman to a contract extension this week, the Ravens are in the market for another wide receiver, and DeCosta has praised the depth of this class. Wilson (5-11, 185) had 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns for Michigan this past year and then ran a 4.39 40 at the Combine, tied for the sixth-fastest among receivers. He projects as a slot receiver, primarily his role at Michigan as well. He is No. 58 on Jeremiah’s big board.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics