If the Ravens can trade out of the first round while still addressing critical needs well, it feels like the ideal scenario to pull off.
The Baltimore Ravens have been known to wheel-and-deal often during the NFL Draft. Heading into the 2024 class, the feeling is no different. With how deep this class is, particularly at multiple positions the Ravens must address, is this the perfect time for general manager Eric DeCosta to trade out of No. 30 overall?
When diving into the scenario, it really does make sense, as The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiac wrote this week. In a mock draft exercise conducted by Zrebiac, the Ravens ended up moving back 14 spots with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“If one of the better offensive tackles is still available… the Ravens should stand pat and make a pick,” Zrebiac wrote. “However, the bet here is those guys won’t be available and Baltimore is looking at several players who grade out similarly to the options it’ll have at No. 44. Trading back and setting up for a significant Day 2 of the draft would make sense.”
Oct 21, 2023; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (78)
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44 — Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
With the Ravens trading back, they add arguably one of the best offensive tackle prospects available here. Moving back, collecting another asset, and still getting a potential starter along the offensive line certainly feels like a DeCosta-type strategy.
“This is about as far as the Ravens could trade back and still get the plug-and-play right tackle they need after dealing Morgan Moses to the New York Jets,” Zrebiac wrote. “There will be enticing cornerback and wide receiver options available, but there’s far more depth at those positions where Baltimore can find quality help later in the draft. The top tackles, though, will go early. Suamataia is one of the second-tier prospects who figures to come off the board either late in the first round or early in the second.”
If Baltimore doesn’t address the offensive line with their first selection, it has to be within their inconsistent secondary, right?
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62 — Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Melton’s stock has started to soar after a fantastic showing in the Senior Bowl. Melton’s athleticism and length would pair well with what’s already available for the Ravens’ secondary depth. Immediately, Melton could jump into a starting role as well.
“Baltimore has starting corners Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens returning and several slot options, including Arthur Maulet, Ar’Darius Washington, Damarion Williams and safety Kyle Hamilton,” Zrebiac said of the Ravens’ secondary. “However, the Ravens are reminded every year that they can never have enough cornerbacks… Adding a starting-caliber cornerback should be a priority in this draft, and Melton would check that box.”
A plug-and-play cornerback at the end of the second round? Once again, another pick where it has Ravens written all over it.
Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (WO24) during the 2024 NFL
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77 — Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Polk is a prospect we’ve mentioned before and could be a very strong fit for the Ravens, especially as the do-it-all wideout who can take on the dirty work with no issues.
Even though DeCosta said earlier this offseason they like their current wideout options, it would be wise to add yet again within a draft class many pundits view as generational at the top.
“In recent weeks, Ravens officials have let everyone know they are confident in their current wide receiver group, which features Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace and Sean Ryan,” Zrebiac wrote. “But it’s highly unlikely that DeCosta won’t take a swing at adding another pass catcher for Lamar Jackson, particularly with the talent and depth in this year’s wide receiver class. It would feel like a missed opportunity if he didn’t.”
A wideout trio for the Ravens featuring Flowers, Bateman and Polk is one that actually compliments one another extremely well.
Polk might not make it this far on draft night, but, if so, the Ravens certainly run up the card.
Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni (OL59) during the 2024
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93 — Dominick Puni, OG, Kansas
It would be a stunner if the Ravens don’t address the offensive line within the first three rounds. In this one, they double-dip.
“In Ben Cleveland, Andrew Vorhees, Malaesala Aumvae-Laaulu and Josh Jones, the Ravens have enough internal starting guard candidates that they won’t feel like they have to reach at the position,” Zrebiac wrote. “But if the right guy is available, they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Puni, who spent four seasons at Central Missouri before finishing at Kansas, played tackle for pair of his college career but projects as a guard at the next level.”
Baltimore needs to reshuffle the decks a bit along their offensive line. What Zrebiac accomplished in this mock does exactly that.
Would Ravens fans be satisfied with an aggressive push for more offensive line help? If Baltimore can develop the BYU and Kansas products, they have two new long-term starters protecting Jackson.
