Category: Opinions

Interior Offensive Linemen Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft Report

Below is the breakdown of offensive linemen prospects from the Ravens perspective.

Note that I’ve updated the Wide Receiver Prospects report with new notations at the top of the post.  You can find it here.

The following positions have been reviewed to date:

Offense:
Wide Receivers, which can be found here.

Defense:
Cornerbacks, which can be found here.
Defensive Linemen, which can be found here.

Ravens Current Interior Offensive Linemen Status and Needs

Having lost Ben Powers, who played much better in 2022 than I ever imagined, the Ravens have an opening at left guard.  Can Ben Cleveland claim the job?  He’s been a “massive” disappointment, unable to stay on the field for any extended period of time, and not upgrading his game as much as you’d like when he was on the field.  I originally thought he’d be the starter by now, but I’ve been wrong.  There’s clearly a need at guard.  But this is a very weak class of interior offensive linemen.  Let’s take a look at what might be there. Continue reading “Interior Offensive Linemen Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft Report”

Defensive Linemen Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft Report

Below is a review of potential defensive linemen prospects for the Ravens in the 2023 draft.  The following positions have previously been reviewed:

Cornerbacks, which can be found here and which was updated today as noted at the top of the post.

Wide receivers, which can be found here.

The Ravens Current Defensive Linemen Situation, and the Need

The Ravens clearly need an influx of talent here.  Calais Campbell is gone.  Michael Pierce couldn’t stay healthy last year.  Justin Madubuike improved but could be a free agent next year.  Broderick Washington arguably improved more.  Travis Jones had a solid rookie year and we are hoping for more this year.  Brent Urban is a rotational piece.  Rayshad Nichols has a little talent and could also be a rotational piece.  But the Ravens need more. Continue reading “Defensive Linemen Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft Report”

Wide Receiver Prospects – Ravens 2023 Comprehensive Draft Report

This post is my initial take on potential wide receiver draft prospects from the Ravens perspective.  This list may be augmented if time permits.  The previous position analysis for cornerbacks can be found here.

UPDATE: April 24, 2023 – A.T. Perry:  I was able to do a deeper dive on A.T. Perry, who I previously downplayed.  But at the Shrine Bowl practices he was much more dominant than I expected.  Granted, he wasn’t going against the top level cornerbacks that were present at the Senior Bowl.  But Perry’s route running was smooth and seamless, and he demonstrated excellent hands and ball skills.  I’m upgrading him to a legitimate Round 4 targetable prospect.

UPDATE: April 20, 2023 – Michael Wilson: First, I had a chance to further study Michael Wilson’s tape from the Senior Bowl practices and was very impressed.  He showed outstanding footwork and route understanding with quick feet and some burst after the catch.  He’s had injury problems as noted.  But I upgrade him.

Tank Dell: Second, the Tank Dell tape from the Senior Bowl was just sensational.  He was uncoverable.  Yes he’s small, etc.  But you just can’t ignore how easily he creates separation.  I’ve upgraded him too.

The Wide Receiver Issue

The Ravens have addressed their gaping wide receiver need in free agency.  At this point, Odell Beckham and Rashod Bateman figure to be their two starting outside receivers, with Devin Duvernay in the slot.  Because of the Beckham signing, the Ravens have the luxury of not having to reach in the first round for a receiver who does not offer number one ability.  I’ll address which receivers could qualify as number ones in my Ravens Big Board, which will be up right before the draft. Continue reading “Wide Receiver Prospects – Ravens 2023 Comprehensive Draft Report”

A Ravens Pre-Draft Wide Receiver Note

My rookie wide receiver scouting report will be up soon.  But in the meantime, there’s another wide receiver angle for the 2023 Ravens that I’d like to explore.  And it’s called De’Andre Hopkins.  It’s been reported that Hopkins wants out of Arizona – and that the Cardinals are seeking at least a number two draft pick.  But the phones apparently haven’t been ringing in Arizona.  What will happen to Hopkins, and can the Ravens get him?  Here’s my Ravens pre-draft wide receiver concept. Continue reading “A Ravens Pre-Draft Wide Receiver Note”

Cornerback Prospects – Ravens 2023 Comprehensive Draft Report

Below is a list of the cornerback prospects for the Ravens in the 2023 draft.  Check back as I may augment this list from time to time.  To the extent that time permits, other position analyses will follow (excepting offensive tackle, tight ends, centers, and safeties).

UPDATE, April 19, 2023:  The Ravens met with the following cornerback prospects pre-draft:

Julius Brents
Emmanuel Forbes
Anthony Johnson
Steven Jones (listed at safety by some)
Jeremy Lucien
Joey Porter Jr.
Kelee Ringo
Cam Smith
Tyrique Stevenson
Cory Trice

The Cornerback Need

The Ravens clearly need a starting corner (or two) at this point in the off season.  A return of Marcus Peters, if at all, would be a post-draft event and probably contingent on who the Ravens come up with.  The needs are clear.  First, a number one man-cover corner who can run (who knows about Armour-Davis) and has scheme diversity.  Second, a slot corner (though I still like Pepe Williams in that spot).  I’m not a fan of putting Marlon Humphrey full-time in the slot.  But the Ravens clearly need speed.  They need someone who can turn those hips and take the receiver all the way up the field.  To me, if you can’t run at a top level, you’re not a great candidate for the Ravens this year, notwithstanding whatever other traits you bring.  With that in mind, here’s the cornerback crop. Continue reading “Cornerback Prospects – Ravens 2023 Comprehensive Draft Report”

Should the Ravens Trade Lamar Jackson?

Should (or must) the Ravens trade Lamar Jackson?  Teams have almost universally rejected Jackson as a free agent.  Many observers attribute this shunning to Lamar’s alleged fully guaranteed contract demand.  But is it more than that?  Yes.  I’ve written numerous times regarding Lamar’s flaws as a pocket passer.  He’s challenged reading defenses.  Just getting to the line of scrimmage in a consistently timely manner has been difficult.  His work habits are less than admirable.  Then there’s the injuries and the obvious issue of how long he can retain his running skills.  Add it all up and he’s nowhere near the “clean” quarterback that teams drool over.  Combined with his contract demands, Lamar makes a poor case for a team to pay him a fortune and give up a lot of draft capital to do it. Continue reading “Should the Ravens Trade Lamar Jackson?”

The Ravens Non-Exclusive Tender to Lamar – Now What?

The non-exclusive tender to Lamar was perhaps a surprise to outsiders.  But it tells us a great deal about Lamar’s likely future and how the Ravens have gauged that future.  No doubt the Ravens had a very good sense that other owners have little taste for fully guaranteed contracts.  There might be a legal issue brewing here (collusion is a tough case to make).  But if Lamar has been unwilling to come off of his fully guaranteed negotiating position (which he must be at this point), there’s no better way for him to learn the illusion of such a contract then by talking to other teams.  Which he is now free to do. Continue reading “The Ravens Non-Exclusive Tender to Lamar – Now What?”

The Ravens Lamar Salary Cap Quandary

I was originally intending this post as the “pro” case for keeping Lamar.  But I’m changing things around a bit.  It’s more pertinent to take a look at the basic question.  From a salary cap perspective, can the Ravens afford to keep Lamar Jackson as a franchised player in 2023?  Here, the Ravens really are in a salary cap quandary. Continue reading “The Ravens Lamar Salary Cap Quandary”

Ravens One and Done – Boy Was That Painful

Let me say it for everyone – so disappointing!  One and done is hard to accept, especially because the Ravens were the better team last night.  They had the Bengals.  But the backup quarterback and the offensive coordinator had brain spasms, and the season is over.  There’s plenty to talk about as the off-season is here.  I’ll start here. Continue reading “Ravens One and Done – Boy Was That Painful”

The Ravens Can Beat The Bengals. . . If the Defense is Up to It

This is not a pollyannish pie-in-the-sky prediction that the Ravens can win their playoff matchup without Lamar Jackson.  The odds of their offense putting up three touchdowns – without some short fields – are very low.  My hope comes from watching the tape of last week’s Bengals matchup, and the extraordinary play of Roquan Smith.  The Ravens can beat the Bengals.  Let me explain. Continue reading “The Ravens Can Beat The Bengals. . . If the Defense is Up to It”

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