Finally, officially, the 2022 NFL Draft is in the books.

So, let’s not waste any time. Here are my Top 10 players to watch in 2023.

Just kidding (although I will say Alabama EDGE Will Anderson is my top prospect as of now).

The Ravens had a long, successful draft. They stayed true to their DNA, as they drafted with conviction, calm, and boldness. Many in the media hailed Baltimore’s draft as one of the best in the league. Some criticized them for trading a big-play receiver and not drafting any. Overall, you must admit the Ravens got markedly better after this past weekend.

Before we get into analysis of the draft picks, it’s worth restating that drafts can’t rightly be graded until three years or so have passed. On the surface, it seems like the Ravens would receive an A for their efforts this past weekend, but we don’t even know which picks will make the team in the Fall, much less how they’ll perform.

What we can say is that they acquired talented players at positions of need, most notably fortifying their offensive line (the most important position in football) and seem to have replenished their defensive backfield depth after last season’s fiasco.

In case you missed it or forgot a pick or two due to incessant excitement (like myself), here’s what the Ravens draft looked like.

Player selected: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

Pick: Round 1, Pick 14

The Draft Network rank: 1

How he fits: Kyle Hamilton has the potential to be the best player in this draft. Many teams have been moving toward a 3-safety defense over the last couple of years. He can play where Mike Macdonald wants him to: single high, split field, box, robber, etc. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch him in Baltimore. Huge value here from Eric DeCosta and company.

Player selected: Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Purdue

Pick: Round 1, Pick 25

The Draft Network rank: 13

How he fits: Linderbaum figures to be the Day 1 starter at center, alleviating burden from other players that were going to have to potentially play in spots that weren’t their main positions. Linderbaum has the mental temperament and physical makeup to be an All-Pro in this league. His potential is that high. He’s tough, smart, mobile, and durable. No wonder Baltimore traded back into the 1st round to get him.

Think about when the Ravens were at their best. They always had a consistent performer at center: Jeff Mitchell (2000), Mike Flynn (2006), Matt Birk (2011-12). Linderbaum could join that group one day as a center who won a Super Bowl.

Player selected: David Ojabo, Outside Linebacker, Michigan

Pick: Round 2, Pick 13

The Draft Network rank: 24

How he fits: Ojabo would’ve been a borderline Top 10 pick if not for the torn achilles he sustained at his pro day. As it stands, the Ravens believe he will be on the field for them this season. When that happens, Ojabo’s potential will be explosive. He was a terror for Michigan opponents last season, even though he’s still learning the game. So, his time off (however long that ends up being) may work to his benefit as he will still be able to mesh with the pro game from a mental standpoint.

When he is full go, look for Ojabo—Odafe Oweh’s high school (and now pro) teammate—to show everyone who passed on him what they missed on.

Player selected: Travis Jones, Defensive Tackle, UConn

Pick: Round 3, Pick 12

The Draft Network rank: 51

How he fits: Jones is one of my favorite players from this draft class. As soon as I watched him, I knew he was meant to be a Raven. He stands 6’4 1/2”, weighs 326 pounds, and moves with an impressive combination of power and urgency. Pushing the pocket from the middle of the line is a trait that has been bearing dividends for NFL teams recently. Jones can play either of the interior tackle positions, as he’s excellent at splitting double teams and getting offensive lineman off-balance. Even if he doesn’t penetrate the backfield, he will likely be able to free up linebackers or edge rushers to do just that.

Tremendous value here, as the Ravens grab Jones—who some considered a 1st round prospect—in the middle of the 3rd round.

Player selected: Daniel Faalele, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota

Pick: Round 4, Pick 5

The Draft Network rank: 62

How he fits: A 6’9”, 379-pound mammoth at right tackle in a power-running offense, having to aid the Ravens in blocking the likes of T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and Trey Hendrickson? Sign me up.

Faalele won’t start ahead of Morgan Moses, but when he does get in the game, watch out. If his technique is right, he could be an even stronger version of the player Baltimore lost a season ago at the same position (Orlando Brown, Jr.).

Bully ball is what Baltimore wanted. Bully ball is what they got.

Player selected: Jalyn Armour-Davis, Cornerback, Alabama

Pick: Round 4, Pick 14

The Draft Network rank: 152

How he fits: A taller version of Anthony Averett, who left the team this offseason for the Raiders. Armour-Davis is a versatile corner who’s strong in run support. With multiple injuries last year and a complex defensive scheme this year, finding a player like Armour-Davis wasn’t only important, but it was difficult as well. It may seem like this is just another corner to add depth, but Armour-Davis is an important get for the Ravens.

Here’s my write-up on him from two months ago: good feet, rarely outside his frame. Comfortable in press, though sometimes he’s too grabby. Always competes for the football. Quick reactions to sudden breaks. Good tackler. Inexperienced, but played well when he got time at Alabama. Speed to run with receivers on deep balls. Still learning but showing progress.

Player selected: Charlie Kolar, Tight End, Iowa State

Pick: Round 4, Pick 23

The Draft Network rank: 171

How he fits: Kolar provides key depth at the tight end position: insurance against a Nick Boyle injury and prevention of overuse of Mark Andrews.

Kolar was a Mackey Award finalist (best tight end in the nation) in 2020 and 2021 and was the Academic All-America Player of the Year in 2021. It remains to be seen how he’s deployed in Greg Roman’s offense, but he figures to have his hand in plenty of key moments this coming season.

Player selected: Jordan Stout, Punter, Penn State

Pick: Round 4, Pick 25

The Draft Network rank: NR

How he fits: Sam Koch’s eventual replacement was taken when Baltimore drafted Jordan Stout from Penn State. His power and placement were heralded by draft analysts and going with him over Koch would save the Ravens $2.1 million in cap space, which could go to signing a key veteran wide receiver.

Stout had quite a career at Penn State. He has a career long punt of 76 yards, and of his 95 career punts, 44 percent landed inside the 20-yard line and 29 percent went for 50 yards or more. It’ll be sad to see Koch go but having Stout waiting in the wings eases that burden for sure.

Player selected: Isaiah Likely, Tight End, Coastal Carolina

Pick: Round 4, Pick 34

The Draft Network rank: 65

How he fits: A classic “move” tight end, Likely is a matchup nightmare for defenses, especially in the red zone. He’s a good blocker too, but pass catching is his forte. He’s able to separate and gain yards after the catch. This was not a need but will fortify the position for the long term and give defensive coordinators one more thing to think about. Advantage: Ravens.

Player selected: Demarion Williams, Cornerback, Houston

Pick: Round 4, Pick 36

The Draft Network rank: 193

How he fits: Williams will compete for reps at slot corner after the departure of Tavon Young. Williams played only two seasons at Houston, but racked up 137 total tackles, 17 passes defensed, and 8 ½ tackles for loss. Those are high marks for a cornerback.

Thinking back to why the Ravens drafted Armour-Davis, drafting Williams makes sense because, as DeCosta says, you can never have enough corners. Moreover, getting corners who can tackle and are durable is just as important as getting corners who can defend the pass. Williams can do both.

Player selected: Tyler Badie, Running back, Missouri

Pick: Round 6, Pick 18

The Draft Network rank: 108

How he fits: If it weren’t for Hamilton and Jones, Tyler Badie might represent the best value in this year’s draft class. Badie was a successful player for the Tigers. He gained an average of 5.3 yards per carry across his entire career at Missouri, to go along with scoring a touchdown every 22 carries.

It will be a battle for him to make the team, seeing as how deep the running back position currently is. But if he does make it, even if it’s for special team reasons at first, he will make the Ravens better.

A look ahead

With help from the folks at Ourlads.com, we’re able to project what the Ravens’ Week 1 lineups will look like. Again, with many players to be added, this will change, but it’s still a fun exercise to begin to see what the 2022 Ravens could look like.

Offense (26)

Quarterback (2): Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley

Running back (4): J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Ty’Son Williams, Tyler Badie

Fullback (1): Pat Ricard

Tight End (4): Mark Andrews, Nick Boyle, Charlie Kolar, Isaiah Likely

Wide Receiver (6): Jarvis Landry*, Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche, Jaylon Moore, Slade Bolden

Offensive line (9): Ronnie Stanley, Ben Cleveland, Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, Morgan Moses, Patrick Mekari, Tyre Phillips, Ben Powers, Daniel Faalele

*projected free agent signing

Defense (24)

Defensive line (6): Calais Campbell, Michael Pierce, Justin Madubuike, Derek Wolfe, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington

Linebackers (7): Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison, Odafe Oweh, Tyus Bowser, David Ojabo, Josh Bynes, Kristian Welch

Cornerbacks (5): Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Brandon Stephens, Kevon Seymour, Jalyn Armour-Davis

Safeties (6): Chuck Clark, Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton, Geno Stone, Tony Jefferson, Ar’Darius Washington

Special Teams (3)

Kicker: Justin Tucker

Punter: Jordan Stout

Long snapper: Nick Moore

Kick returner: Devin Duvernay

Punt returner: James Proche

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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