Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The 2023-24 NFL football season is officially over and it’s time to focus our attention on free agency and the NFL Draft. The Ravens marched to a 13-4 regular season record and appeared to be the most dominant team in the sport. They continued their high-level of play into the playoffs defeating the Houston Texans 34-10 in AFC Division Round game. And then the wheels came off.
In their AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, they somehow forgot how to run the ball. That coupled with two fourth quarter turnovers by the Ravens led to their 17-10 loss to the eventual Lombardi Trophy winners.
Now the team is faced with numerous key players entering free agency and a small salary cap surplus. General Manger Eric Decosta and head coach Jim Harbaugh will have their hands full trying to guide the Ravens through a difficult financial period while recovering from a disappointing end to their season.
This is how their 2024 draft picks stack up at the moment. The exact compensatory pick position will be determined before the draft. It will be a fourth-round pick. The number 133rd pick is currently being used as a placeholder.
Baltimore Ravens 2024 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 30 Overall
Round 2: No. 62 Overall
Round 3: No. 93 Overall
Round 4: No. 130 Overall
Compensatory Pick from the Broncos
Round 4: No. 133 Overall (Compensatory-Ben Powers)*
Round 5: No. 163 Overall
Round 7: No. 225 Overall (From Jets)
Round 7: No. 247 Overall
*Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that lost more free agents than it acquired the previous year. The picks are awarded based on a formula that considers salary, playing time, and postseason honors. Teams cannot acquire more than four compensatory picks per year.
Baltimore Ravens 2024 NFL Draft Needs
Zay Flowers has quickly become a top-notch NFL receiver but there is a big drop-off after him., And Decosta has a history of picking wide receivers early in the draft.
Most of the Ravens front interior lineman are free agents but guard Kevin Zeitler has expressed a desire to return. Rather, the team will look to recognize some big cap savings by releasing one of their offensive tackles.
Edges Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy were overpriced free agent signings. The Ravens may have difficulty finding cap space to play both players. And the cupboard is pretty empty after the two starters.
Running backs Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, and Dalvin Cook are all free agents, so changes will be coming to this position. Saquon Barkley might be an option here as a free agent acquisition. But in that scenario, the Ravens would still have to find a back in the draft for insurance purposes.
The Ravens have four cornerbacks who are free agents. And the stock behind them is young and inexperienced. The team may use both free agency and the draft to reload this position.
Baltimore is also looking for depth at the linebacker, defensive tackle, and safety positions.
Mock Draft
Round 2 Pick No. 39 Overall: Kingsley Suamataia-OT, BYU (From Trade with Giants)
Round 2 Pick No. 62 Overall: Bralen Trice-Edge, Washington
Round 3 Pick No. 70 Overall: Max Melton-CB, Rutgers (From Trade with Giants)
Round 3 Pick No. 93 Overall: Braelon Allen-RB, Wisconsin
Round 4 Pick No. 130 Overall: Ricky Pearsall-WR, Florida
Ravens Close Out the Draft with Defensive Picks
Round 4 Pick No. 133 Overall: Junior Colson-LB, Michigan
Round 5 Pick No. 163 Overall: Jay Stanley, S-Southern Mississippi
Round 7 Pick No. 225 Overall: Gabe Hall-DT, Baylor
Round 7 Pick No. 225 Overall: Ovie Oghoufo-Edge, LSU
Mock Draft Analysis
There is no doubt the Ravens would be celebrating if their draft was a replica of this mock draft. They upgraded their wide receiver position with the speedy and versatile Ricky Pearsall from Florida. BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia will provide excellent protection for Lamar Jackson’s blindside.
Dynamic Edge Bralen Trice out of Washington would bolster this unit. And powerful Badgers running back Braelon Allen would bring some thump to the Ravens backfield. Also, cornerback Max Melton, from Rutgers will be the high motor cover corner whose skills fit well with Baltimore’s defensive schemes.
In this mock draft, the Ravens were also able draft reserves for the aforementioned linebacker, defensive tackle, and safety positions.
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