Now that the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is finished, the Baltimore Ravens still have holes on the roster to fill. However, they made quite some progress after signing QB Lamar Jackson to a massive five-year extension. They’ve also made a significant signing in Odell Beckham Jr. Yet, Baltimore still has needs in order for them to remain a contending force. Building that into the Ravens’ draft plan is a must.
Baltimore Ravens Team Needs Ahead of NFL Draft
- CB
- EDGE
- DT
- OT
Heading into the draft, WR was one of the biggest team needs that the Ravens needed to focus on. And that is exactly what they did when they added an explosive weapon in Zay Flowers. Flowers will now fit in nicely with Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Beckham, Rashod Bateman, and Devin Duvernay to give Jackson a solid core of weapons.
MORE: 100% FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator (With Trades)
On defense, they need help all along the defensive line. Baltimore has had inconsistent play on the edge, and veteran Justin Houston, even if he were to come back, is not a long-term answer and would stunt the growth of a young player they could add.
On the interior, the dominant days of Haloti Ngata are long gone. Finding a player who can own the line would be ideal for them.
Results for Ravens 2023 Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 22 | Zay Flowers, WR
As mentioned above, Flowers will now join an impressive, young corps of weapons for Baltimore. A program record-setter who has consistently proven himself to be one of the most electric receivers in college football, Flowers should be able to make an immediate impact.
Predictions for Ravens 2023 Draft Picks
The trade between the Bears and the Panthers shook up the NFL Draft order. A run on QBs and WRs in the first round has pushed some significant talent down the draft board. Using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, here is how I would fill those needs for Baltimore.
Round 3, Pick 86 | A.T. Perry, WR
Both Beckham and DeAndre Hopkins are on the back nine of their careers. While still productive, the Ravens would be wise to bring in a young, big-bodied receiver who can develop. A.T. Perry is an exceptional accelerator with tremendous size. He’s an elite athlete with a big upside.
Round 4, Pick 124 | Colby Wooden, DT
Colby Wooden provides an excellent combination of mobility and power. He can play multiple gaps and stunt with ease.
Round 5, Pick 157 | Rashad Torrence II, S
Rashad Torrence is a natural mover on his backpedal with experience in two-high and single-high. He’s a snappy short-area athlete with great twitch, energy, and rapid foot speed.
Round 6, Pick 199 | Aidan O’Connell, QB
The problem for the Ravens is that they don’t have a ton of draft capital in the year they need it. When their picks come up, the positions they need are long gone.
Aidan O’Connell is rising up draft boards as a developmental player scouts are high on. New OC Todd Monken is used to a more prototypical quarterback. O’Connell is that.