The Ravens could stand to improve at every level of their defense. Whether it’s an edge defender, interior defensive lineman, or defensive back, their roster’s current makeup agrees with their usual approach of selecting the best player available. There may not be “holes” all over their defense, but they can use help at every position.
Defensive back is an interesting position to ponder, because while DBs on their roster right now comprise the best unit on the team, most of them sustained serious injuries last year.
Contrast that with defensive linemen. No matter who’s selected, it seems like Baltimore is always putting out a stout defensive front. But with Brandon Williams’ and Calais Campbell’s (free agency) future with the team in doubt, Baltimore could be justified in drafting multiple players at this position.
Here are some players who, if selected, would instantly improves the Ravens defense.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 275 pounds
2021 stats: 37 tackles, 7.5 tfl, 6.0 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
Key traits: Walker plays like a man possessed. He’s a game-wrecker that can play anywhere along the defensive line. His movements are dynamic, and his reactions are instant. He will drop into coverage at times, displaying his premier athleticism. Furthermore, and perhaps the most impressive trait about him, are how violent and precise his hands are. He initiates the action with force but isn’t reckless. His ability to get an offensive lineman off balance and out of phase is very impressive.
Ideal position: Defensive end
Potential draft spot: Middle of Round 1
Why he’d be a good fit: Walker generates immediate and consistent pressure, no matter where he lines up. Whether it’s a run or pass play, he shows ability to dominate whoever is lined up across from him. He very much has an alpha-mentality on the field, which is exactly what kind of defenders the Ravens like. He is in no way a linear pass-rusher. He’s always in attack mode. Even when he senses a screen, reverse, or trick play, he closes ground until the perfect time to strike. Drafting him would be like killing two birds with one stone, as the Ravens would acquire a top pass rusher and edge setter in a single player.
Cool side note: His first name is Yury.
Bottom line: Walker’s play style is the quintessential style as that of Ravens defenders.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Andrew Booth, Jr., Cornerback, Clemson
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200 pounds
2021 stats: 37 tackles, 5 passes defensed, 3 interceptions
Key traits: Zero hesitation in run support. I mean, he is a missile. He doesn’t just fly in recklessly, either. Booth knows when and where to make the tackle. Terrific instincts and timing. Good foot speed and play speed. Really good ball skills. Can succeed in man or zone. His timing is probably his best trait (that I’ve seen, at least). When he sees a play develop, he triggers and just goes. That lack of hesitation is very valuable.
Ideal position: Perimeter cornerback
Potential draft spot: Middle of Round 1
Why he’d be a good fit: Booth played at a very high level for the Tigers. Against top teams, he excelled. As a Ravens defender, a prospect needs to be a complete player. That’s who Booth is. Even on special teams, Booth can be a force. He’s a tone-setter, and a player that can help make the Ravens return to greatness.
Cool side note: Was the No. 8 recruit in the nation coming out of high school.
Bottom line: He looks to be a decade-long stud in the making.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 340 pounds
2021 stats: 32 tackles, 14 QB hits, 5.5 tfl, 2.0 sacks
Key traits: Massive size and above average play speed (especially for someone his size). Excellent at penetrating the line and finding gaps in pulling schemes. Gives you everything he has from a motor standpoint. Causes a lot of problems for the offensive line. Once he hits you, it’s a wrap. He’s pretty much a brick wall. Could also free up gaps for linebackers or other defensive linemen to blitz through.
Ideal position: Defensive tackle (1 technique)
Potential draft spot: Mid to late Round 1
Why he’d be a good fit: Davis’ size, force, and mindset accurately represent what kind of defensive lineman the Ravens seek. Consider Baltimore has Bowser and Oweh on the edges, Davis’ ability to push the pocket from the middle will make it very difficult to block the Ravens’ many defensive fronts and blitzes.
Cool side note: Davis was voted the best defensive player (Bednarik Award) and the best interior lineman (Outland Trophy) in the nation in 2021. He was also named a 1st-team All-American.
Bottom line: He’s two inches taller than Haloti Ngata and plays in a similar way. It wouldn’t be the worst pick in the world.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Jaquan Brisker, Safety, Penn State
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 200 pounds
2021 stats: 64 tackles, 6.0 tfl, 5 passes defensed, 2 interceptions
Key traits: Excellent form tackler. He really packs a punch. He’s patient and doesn’t hesitate. Plays all over the field, but perhaps he’s best when playing forward and when defending inside the numbers. Brisker could be a Budda Baker/Tyrann Mathieu type hybrid defensive back. Was named 1st team All-Big Ten and 1st team All-American.
Ideal position: Nickel/Dime safety
Potential draft spot: Early to middle of Round 2
Why he’d be a good fit: Brisker is a fast, physical football player that plays a position the Ravens got destroyed at last year. He might not be their first pick, but he would certainly upgrade their defense right away if drafted.
Cool side note: Started every game of the last two seasons and won Team Co-Defensive MVP in 2020 (Odafe Oweh) and Team Defensive MVP in 2021.
Bottom line: There are other players the Ravens may covet before Brisker, but he’s one of the more pro-ready players in this entire draft.
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.