Following their playoff loss to a bitter division rival, the Baltimore Ravens have officially entered a winter of discontent. There are multiple question marks hanging over the franchise, and this Ravens NFL Mock Draft attempts to answer some of them before John Harbaugh’s team is on the clock in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In this scenario, simulated trades were active among other teams via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Ravens held steady and did not make any moves.
Latest Baltimore Ravens 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas | Round 1, Pick 22
The biggest question facing the Ravens following their exit from the NFL playoffs is, what will Lamar Jackson do? The former Louisville quarterback is undoubtedly the heart of this team and one of the most electric playmakers in the league.
However, injury and his expiring contract cast doubt over Jackson’s long-term future in Baltimore. A “tag and trade” scenario isn’t completely unrealistic, and that would dramatically alter the course of the Ravens’ 2023 NFL Draft class — both from a capital and needs standpoint.
As it stands, however, this Ravens NFL Mock Draft is designed to build around Jackson rather than plan for life without him. Wide receiver is arguably the biggest need for the team, as tight end Mark Andrews continues to shoulder the load for the offense. No wide receiver had over 500 yards for the Ravens this year.
However, the ground game — including Jackson — has been Baltimore’s offensive identity, so adding a generational weapon like Bijan Robinson is likely to pay higher dividends than a WR would.
The Texas running back runs routes and catches the ball as well as any receiver currently on the Ravens’ roster. However, it’s his elite ability as a running back that should make Baltimore fans bullish about their chances next season. A backfield of Robinson and Jackson would be practically unstoppable.
Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State | Round 3, Pick 86
Having said that Robinson provides more value than a receiver moments ago in this Ravens NFL Mock Draft, Baltimore can’t simply ignore pass catchers in the 2023 NFL Draft. They’re going to have to add weapons for Jackson, and with the selection of Xavier Hutchinson, they get a good one here in Round 3.
At 6’3″ and 205 pounds, Hutchinson excels at the catch point, buoyed by decent length, strong hands, and overall physicality. However, he’s more than just a jump-ball expert. The Iowa State receiver can create separation with his long-strider speed and his combination of burst, twitch, and lateral agility.
Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland | Round 4, Pick 121
Time for some uncomfortable truths. First up, the Ravens’ pass defense allowed the seventh-highest completion percentage (66.4%), seventh-most yards per game (232.2), and sixth-most air yards (2,370) in the 2022 NFL season.
Secondly, we need to talk about Marcus Peters. The veteran CB had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career and is due another payday. Whether he gets it in Baltimore or not, the Ravens need to add some pieces in the secondary.
The first of two DB selections in this Ravens NFL Mock Draft, Jakorian Bennett has been a consistent thorn in the side of Big Ten receivers the past two years with his physicality, excellent athletic profile, and the ball skills to be dangerous at the catch point. He’s an underrated DB in a good class.
Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan | Round 5, Pick 145
Calais Campbell just turned 36 and is a potential cut candidate, given that Baltimore can make $6.5 million in cap saving by parting ways with the behemoth defensive lineman. How do you replace a man of Campbell’s size and disruptive presence? By adding another lineman with size and disruptive presence, of course.
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Michigan EDGE Mike Morris might not quite fill Campbell’s shoes, but the 6’6″, 291-pound pass rusher certainly puts the “big” into “big defensive end.” As you’d expect from a man of his size, Morris is pure power and can pulverize the pocket for fun. He’s not all fury and no finesse, however, with some impressive pass-rush moves alongside the ability to play strong against the run.
DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama | Round 6, Pick 185
Back to the secondary with the final pick of this Ravens NFL Mock Draft, where there are several potential departures at the safety position, including Chuck Clark, who has been earmarked as a potential cut candidate by Pro Football Network NFL Director Adam Beasley in his Baltimore Ravens offseason preview.
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While Alabama’s secondary had some unfortunate moments, DeMarcco Hellams continued to develop his game this college football season. A former wide receiver, Hellams has enticing catch-point potential, while he’s demonstrated that he can shed blocks when coming downhill with violent intentions.