In just 10 days, the 2022 NFL Draft begins. The Ravens hold pick up No. 14, five 4th rounders, and 10 picks overall. They’ve done a masterful job at preparing for this moment. They’ve set themselves up well to be aggressive in picking who they want and to weather turbulence in the event one of their targeted players goes to another team. That’s the power of prudence and draft capital.
To further their optimism, the Ravens have been active in free agency, despite not jumping into the race for players on mega deals.
They re-signed defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who’s solid on-field performance and leadership is incredibly valuable, especially when a team like this is so close to a championship.
The Ravens further fortified their defensive front by re-signing defensive tackle Michael Pierce, who spent his first four professional seasons in Baltimore.
A third defensive starter was added when the team signed former Saints safety and 2nd team All-Pro Marcus Williams to a 5-year, $70 million deal last month. Knowing DeShon Elliott isn’t likely to come back gave General Manager Eric DeCosta even more reason to make this signing.
An offensive move was made as well, and a key one at that. The Ravens signed offensive tackle Morgan Moses to a 3-year deal, which could prove the most valuable move of them all. Even if Ronnie Stanley returns to full health, which is hoped for but not a certainty, the signing of Moses infuses the team with much-needed strength and stability at the tackle position. He’ll start at right tackle this season, a position the Ravens spent last year trying to settle after the departure of Pro Bowler Orlando Brown, Jr.
Given their plentiful draft picks and prime position, the pro personnel moves they’ve made, as well as the numerous starters returning from injury, the 2022 season is setting up very well for the Ravens. Specific to the draft, though, let’s take a closer look at their top needs today, and which players could be available and good team fits.
Offensive tackle, edge rusher, cornerback, and inside linebacker look to be the team’s top needs right now. If Lamar Jackson does remain with the team for the foreseeable future, it’s possible the Ravens will have to replace both starting tackles on their roster. You don’t pay a quarterback the money you pay him and not provide sufficient protection. Evan Neal from Alabama is my top choice. He’s as solid as there is in this draft, has played very well for a great team, and knows what it takes to perform to a championship standard. The Ravens may need to trade up to acquire him, though, which isn’t in their m.o.
Another player that could fit the billing is Trevor Penning from Northern Iowa. He surely plays like a Raven and figures to be available at 14 (or later if the team chooses to trade back a bit). I’d prefer Neal most, but Penning would be a good second option.
Edge rusher is an interesting position because it’s such a deep class this year. When you have a deep class, you often wonder how much to pursue the premium
players versus waiting a round or two and getting two really good players. The latter is a strategy I expect the Ravens to employ, as they’re not a desperate team. Therefore, players like Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie or Michigan’s David Ojabo are names to watch for. Ebiketie has talent but not as much buzz as he should, and Ojabo was a consensus first round pick before tearing his achilles at Michigan’s pro day. That setback may cause some to rank him lower on their big boards, but make no mistake, Ojabo (and Ebiketie) can ball.
Cornerback is another interesting position, as the Ravens have their starters taken care of (Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters), but are lacking depth. They traded away 2021 draft choice Shaun Wade last year and key slot corner Tavon Young will be playing in Chicago this season. Like the edge rusher debate, it’s a question between taking a premier talent versus testing the integrity of your draft strategy.
As for cornerbacks in this draft, there are two I think will be available at 14 that I also legitimately think can become perennial Pro Bowlers. Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and LSU cornerback Derek Stingley, Jr. are two blue chip players in my eyes. McDuffie aligns in multiple positions, mostly in the slot or as an “overhang” defender (kind of a combination between a safety’s depth and a slot cornerback’s width away from the ball). He’s so smooth in what he does that it’s easy to project him as a top performer at the next level. Plus, the University of Washington is one of the truly elite defensive back programs in the nation (along with Ohio State and LSU).
Speaking of LSU, probably the best cornerback and one of the best defensive players in the draft, Derek Stingley, Jr., played his college ball in Baton Rouge. Stingley didn’t play football last season, but all the reports that have address the “rust” question have come up without concerns when forecasting his performance at the NFL level in 2022 and beyond. Stingley is an alpha; a true lockdown corner. His absence from the game last season will cause him to drop a bit, to say, No. 14? If so, I have to think the Ravens have him on a very short list of players to take at that spot. He was thought of as a Top 10 talent two years ago and hasn’t done anything to dissuade us of that notion since.
The final position that looks to be a pressing need during this draft for the Ravens is inside linebacker. This is tricky because Patrick Queen is one of the leaders on the defense, so that makes it seem like the position is well taken care of. The Ravens also re-signed inside linebacker Josh Bynes recently, but he is not a long-term answer at the position. Malik Harrison could be that answer, but he’s only made 11 starts in 30 of a potential 33 career games. I think he has a lot more to offer than he’s shown, and maybe he will start this season, but even if he does, the Ravens will still need a quality backup.
Two inside linebackers I think the Ravens should look at are Montana State’s Troy Andersen and Penn State’s Brandon Smith. Both guys are tough, physical, and smart playmakers. Andersen, especially, would be a great fit because of his exceptional athleticism and past as a running back. For so long, the Ravens linebackers have struggled in pass defense, but adding a player like Andersen (or Smith) could finally heal that wound.
To summarize, my short list of players that could be available at No. 14 overall and would also fill a key need consists of:
- Alabama OT Evan Neal
- Washington CB Trent McDuffie
- LSU CB Derek Stingley, Jr.
- Montana State LB Troy Andersen
If the Ravens selected either of those four players, I’d be ecstatic.
I can’t wait to see who they do pick. Thankfully, the wait is almost over.
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.