Safety Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft

The safety prospects in the 2023 NFL draft are reviewed below from the Ravens’ perspective.  The following positions have been reviewed previously:

Offense:
Running Backs, which is found here.
Wide Receivers, which can be found here.
Interior Offensive Linemen, which can be found here.

Defense:
Edge Linebacker, which is located here.
Cornerbacks, which is found here.
Defensive Linemen, which is found here.

The Ravens Current Safety Situation and Needs

The Ravens still have a need at safety.  With Chuck Clark gone, Kyle Hamilton takes over, and you’re left with Geno Stone and Ar’Darius Washington as backups.  And potentially Brandon Stephens, who knows.  There’s a need here, particularly if Hamilton, playing more traditional safety roles, doesn’t develop in those roles the way the Ravens hope.  Hamilton has a lot of improvement to do back there, notwithstanding Pro Football Focus’ ridiculously high grade for him at safety.  A position he played on only 82 snaps all of last year. Continue reading “Safety Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft”

Anthony Richardson versus Will Levis – Easy Call for the Ravens

I’ll ignore the “what’s going to happen with Lamar” debate for this limited purpose.  In this blog, the simple issue raised is this.  If the Ravens find themselves with a high draft pick and the choice between Anthony Richardson or Will Levis, who should they select?

You can read volumes of material on each of these players and argue it any way you want.  Let me touch on my key points. Continue reading “Anthony Richardson versus Will Levis – Easy Call for the Ravens”

Running Back Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft

The running back prospects in the 2023 NFL draft are reviewed below from the Ravens’ perspective.  The following positions have been reviewed in other posts:

Offense:
Wide Receivers, which can be found here, and was updated again today.
Interior Offensive Lineman, which can be found here.

Defense:
Edge Linebacker, which is located here.
Cornerbacks, which can be found here.
Defensive Linemen, which is found here.

The Ravens Current Running Back Situation and Needs

The Ravens retain their three-headed running back room from last year.  It’s a good group but all three of J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill have serious injury history in their not-so-distance pasts.  Dobbins is a free-agent after this year and at age 26 for the 2024 season, it’s unclear what his Ravens future might look like.  Gus Edwards is 28 and 2024 is a voidable year on his contract.  Justice Hill has never been given a full chance to shine as a running back, even though he was very explosive last year and has juice to offer.  With this combination of factors, I fully expect the Ravens to add to the running back room through the draft or with undrafted free agents after the draft. Continue reading “Running Back Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft”

Edge Linebacker Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft Report

This post reviews the edge linebacker prospects in the 2023 draft from the Ravens’ perspective.  The following positions have been reviewed to date:

Offense:
Wide Receivers, which can be found here and which was updated on April 20, 2023
Interior Offensive Lineman, which can be found here.

Defense:
Cornerbacks, located here.
Defensive Linemen, located here.

The Ravens Current Edge Linebacker Situation and the Need

The Ravens have a continuing need at the outside linebacker position.  I expect Tyus Bowser to come back stronger in his second year removed from his Achilles injury.  This will allow him to play on the strong side much more, and free up Odafe Oweh to get away from tight ends.  Then we will see what the Ravens really have with Oweh.  As far as David Ojabo goes, 2023 will be his rookie year as a practical matter.  His first full training camp; getting in the work necessary to be on the field in running situations.  Ojabo has a lot to do to become a full-time player in the NFL. Continue reading “Edge Linebacker Prospects – Ravens 2023 Draft Report”

Patrick Queen’s Future: Keep Him or Trade Him?

It’s a given that the Ravens will not exercise their fifth year option on Patrick Queen.  They aren’t going to spend that much more money on the inside linebacker group, and certainly not for a weakside linebacker.  But should they keep him for the 2023 season, or trade him before or during the draft?  What is Patrick Queen’s future?

Readers know that I’m not a Patrick Queen fan.  But I’d be dogmatic to claim that Queen didn’t produce a whole lot more once Roquan Smith took over the strong side responsibilities.  The two play very effectively together.  Smith’s presence allowed Queen to do more of what he does well, and less of what he doesn’t do well.  Playing together, the Smith-Queen duo must be the fastest inside linebacker group in the league. Continue reading “Patrick Queen’s Future: Keep Him or Trade Him?”

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”

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