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 second scenario, the Ravens go with an offensive lineman as their top choice. There is a glaring hole at right tackle after the Moses trade, and fortunately for Baltimore, this is a draft class rich in offensive line talent.
Who could be available in the first round?
- JC Latham, Alabama
- Amarius Mims, Georgia
- Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
- Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
- Graham Barton, Duke
I’ve mocked Troy Fautanu to the Ravens in the past, but he seems to be skyrocketing draft boards in recent weeks. Latham would be the ideal pick as a natural right tackle, but there are teams ahead of Baltimore that also need offensive line help so it’s unlikely he’ll be available.
Who are their Day 2 options?
Cornerback and pass rusher make the most sense here. Here are a couple players to keep in eye on in Rounds 2 and 3.
Cornerback:
- Ennis Rakestraw, Missouri
- Max Melton, Rutgers
- Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
- Mike Sainristil, Michigan
- Andru Phillips, Kentucky
Pass Rusher:
- Chris Braswell, Alabama
- Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
- Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
- Gabriel Murphy, UCLA
- Austin Booker, Kansas
What other needs could be addressed on draft night?
The Ravens also need depth 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: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2, Pick 62: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
Round 3, Pick 93: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Round 4, Pick 113 (from NYJ): Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
Round 4, Pick 130: Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
Round 5, Pick 165: Dillon Washington, RB, Washington
Round 6, Pick 218: Gabe Hall, DL, Baylor
Round 7, Pick 228 (from NYJ): Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland
Round 7, Pick 250: Zakhari Franklin, WR, Mississippi
I fully anticipate the Ravens to do some maneuvering, but are you satisfied with this draft?
Photo Credit: Jon Baker/OU Athletics