Final 2024 NFL Draft Preview: Part I

by | Apr 4, 2024 | Baltimore Ravens, NFL, NFL Draft

Three weeks from today begin the dreams of many. 

Three weeks from today begins the 2024 NFL Draft and releases the tension that’s built up over months of waiting, conjecture, and hypotheticals. 

This is a particularly anticipated draft for Ravens fans, as it’s the draft right after their best season since they won a world championship more than a decade ago. The feeling is that Baltimore has work to do, yes, but is so close to hoisting the Lombardi trophy in New Orleans this coming February 9th. 

Having lost by a single touchdown to the eventual Super Bowl winners is both maddening and reassuring. Therefore, fans can approach this draft knowing they’re in good shape and their team won’t (have to) overcompensate to make up for talent deficits. Such is the perpetual wisdom of Eric DeCosta, Pat Moriarty, and company. 

As far as who the Ravens could select with their first round choice, an offensive lineman or wide receiver should be the priority. So, that’s where we’ll start this final preview: on offense. 

Bowl games are long gone, and the combine buzz has significantly cooled down. Pro Days are almost finished, too, so the evaluation period for these prospects is nearing it’s end. This is the time of year when the best decisions can be made, as the most information is available. 

Given Baltimore’s current roster and offensive philosophy, I feel like they should not trade their 30th overall pick. If they were to trade up, they’d have to relinquish some of the precious draft capital they’ve carefully procured. If they were to trade down, they risk losing out on a top offensive prospect for the sake of additional draft picks (which they have plenty of). Staying put at No. 30, I believe, is the best option for them. 

As to who they could select, it comes down to two main criteria: what positions are the Ravens targeting, and who could conceivably be on the board when they’re on the clock. Seeing as how Baltimore lost 60 percent of its starting offensive line in free agency (both guards and its right tackle), that position has to be the first thought. Wide receiver will be a place the Ravens look as well, but it seems like there’s less supply of good offensive linemen than there is good wide receivers in this year’s class. 

While the Ravens don’t need starters at center or left tackle, don’t be alarmed if they draft a player who played there in college. Some of the following prospects have played significant snaps at other positions besides the one we’re most used to seeing them play. Baltimore has a plan. 

Here is the short list of prospects I think the Ravens ought to consider selecting from in the first round. (note: positions listed according to where they played in college) 

  • Kiren Amegadjie, LT/LG, Yale 
  • Jackson Powers-Johnson, C/RG, Oregon 
  • Cooper Beebe, LG/LT, Kansas State 
  • Jordan Morgan, LT, Arizona 
  • Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia 
  • Graham Barton, LT, Duke 

I’ve ranked these prospects based on my personal opinion of how they’d best fit within the Ravens offense. Considering the quality of opponent, consistency of performance, and positional versatility, I feel these players give the Ravens the best chance to improve their offensive line from Day 1. 

Amegadjie and Powers-Johnson look like the front-runners to me. Amegadjie displays really impressive patience when getting into his pass sets. You can just tell he is not overwhelmed by the play call, protection, or any stunts happening in front of him. He’s a sound player with a desire to bury his opponent. He won’t often get beat, but when he does, it’s probably due to a mistake he made—not because he was overpowered. He played 58 percent of his collegiate snaps at left tackle, and the other 42 percent at left guard. Needless to say, the Ravens need all the help they can get on the offensive line, and would especially like to draft the Yale product, as he presents insurance against another Ronnie Stanley injury. 

Powers-Johnson presents a similarly strong case to the Ravens for drafting him. While his main position is currently accounted for by a former Pro Bowler, his ability at a position of need improves his stock even more. From the first snap of his you watch, you can tell he plays like a Raven. He is tough, yes, but playing like a Raven also means you have long-term stamina, mental resilience, and a desire to win every rep no matter the opponent or game situation. Drafting Powers-Johnson to play alongside Linderbaum would be a really good move by the Ravens, because while Stanley currently holds down the left side, there’s no returning veteran who’s started consistently on the right side. Selecting Powers-Johnson would help balance things out a bit if Baltimore chose to have him slot in at right guard. 

Operated by a mobile quarterback, both Yale and Oregon ran offenses that show similar looks to what the Ravens ran in their first season led by Todd Monken. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee everything will translate, but it gives you a solid foundation from which to work. Both players enter this draft with a high floor, and while I believe Amegadjie has the higher ceiling, either of them look capable of starting Week 1. 

If the Ravens choose to select a wide receiver with the 30th overall pick, I wouldn’t be upset. They need help there, too. I just think there’s no question that where they need the most help, on either side of the ball, is the first line of protection (literally) for Lamar Jackson. That tells you all you need to know. 

Michael Fast
Michael Fast

Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.

When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.

To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.

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