Baltimore Ravens (Last Year: 13-4)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Ravens often draft a talented player who inexplicably falls to them. If that doesn’t happen again, Baltimore will instead have to focus on the offensive line after losing three blockers to free agency this offseason. The Ravens also lost Patrick Queen and some receivers, so replacements will be needed. A cornerback upgrade must be acquired as well.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: It was surprising that the Ravens used only two of their picks on offensive linemen. They spent a second-round choice on Roger Rosengarten, who was expected by some to be taken earlier than that. However, Baltimore didn’t go back to addressing its blockers until the final round. This was a shocking turn of events, given how many offensive linemen departed this offseason.
However, the Ravens made up for the lack of focus on the offensive line with some stellar values elsewhere. Adisa Isaac, a third-round pass-rushing upgrade, was thought to perhaps be taken in the second frame. The same can be said of Devontez Walker, who was a steal in the fourth round. Walker should be an adequate replacement at the very least for Odell Beckham Jr. Another unbelievable value was T.J. Tampa at the end of the fourth. Some had Tampa in the second as well!
Of course, there was the first-round pick. Nate Wiggins wasn’t as much of a steal, but he could have gone earlier than No. 30. He figures to provide a nice upgrade at cornerback, which Baltimore sorely needed.
Of Baltimore’s nine picks, only one scored worse than a “B,” and that was a late sixth-round choice used on backup quarterback Devin Leary. The Ravens had a great weekend, which should come as no surprise. The only shocking thing, as mentioned, was that another earlier pick wasn’t used on an offensive lineman.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
30. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson – B Grade
Nate Wiggins is a talented player who could have gone earlier than this. He also fills a big need for the Ravens’ declining cornerback group. However, my concern is that Wiggins is a bit brittle, so he comes with some risk. I actually thought he might fall as a result, and I’m a bit surprised that he was chosen over Kool-Aid McKinstry.
62. Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington – B Grade
Some would call this a steal because there was some speculation that Roger Rosengarten would go in the first round. However, Charlie Campbell reported that Rosengarten would slide, so it’s not a surprise to see him here. Still, it’s a good pick because the Ravens really needed to find some replacements on the offensive line after losing three blockers to free agency.
93. Adisa Isaac, DE, Penn State – A- Grade
While Chop Robinson went in the first round, I thought Adisa Isaac could have been chosen in the second frame. He’s a good value at this spot as a well-rounded edge player. It makes sense for the Ravens to add someone who can help get pressure on Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
113. Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina – A+ Grade
The Ravens always seem to get some steals in the draft, and this is another one. Devontez Walker is someone who easily could have been chosen toward the end of Round 2. He fills a need for the Ravens, who don’t have much at wideout aside from Zay Flowers.
130. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State – A+ Grade
Another steal for the Ravens. What a shocker! T.J. Tampa could have been selected in the second round without any complaints, yet the Ravens are getting him toward the end of the fourth. And if that wasn’t enough, Baltimore is filling a huge need.
165. Rasheen Ali, RB, Marshall – B Grade
This isn’t a major steal like some of Baltimore’s other picks, but it’s a solid choice. Derrick Henry’s not the long-term answer, so Baltimore had to find a potential successor. Rasheen Ali is a tough runner who makes sense in the fifth round.
218. Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky – C Grade
The Ravens needed a backup quarterback with Tyler Huntley gone, but I would have rather have seen Michael Pratt. Devin Leary has a history of injuries and accuracy woes.
228. Nick Samac, C, Michigan State – B Grade
Nick Samac makes sense as a seventh-round pick as far as draft range is concerned. He’s limited athletically, but could be a solid backup.
250. Sanoussi Kane, S, Purdue – B Grade
Sanoussi Kane got some buzz late in the pre-draft process, so it’s not a surprise to see him drafted. He’ll help on special teams, which is more important now in the wake of the new kickoff rules.
Season Summary:
The good news regarding the Ravens’ 2023 season is that Lamar Jackson was able to finish the year without getting injured for a change. The bad news was that Jackson suffered another humiliating playoff defeat.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Three Offensive Linemen: Ronnie Stanley is unreliable, so the Ravens may want to find a better insurance policy at left tackle. Meanwhile, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson are both impending free agents. Simpson needed to be upgraded anyway.
- Running Back: J.K. Dobbins can’t stay healthy, and Keaton Mitchell can’t handle a full workload. The Ravens could stand to add an upgrade in their backfield. Signed Derrick Henry
- Wide Receiver: Odell Beckham Jr. was a temporary solution as a No. 2 receiver. Baltimore needs someone better across from Zay Flowers.
- Defensive Tackle: Justin Madubuike had a terrific season. He’ll be missed if he leaves via free agency.
- Linebacker: Patrick Queen is an impending free agent as well. Losing him would be a big blow to the defense.
- Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney is also set to hit free agency. Clowney’s absence would diminish the pass rush.
- Cornerback: The Ravens aren’t very strong at cornerback, and they could lose Ronald Darby to free agency.
- Punter: Jordan Stout had one of the worst net punting averages in the NFL.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Baltimore Ravens Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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