The NFL scouting mix begins this week in Indianapolis, the following massive step in a pivotal Ravens offseason.
While a lot of the eye stays on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations because the March 7 franchise tag deadline approaches, the Ravens have loads of work to do to retool a roster that completed 10-7 and exited within the AFC wild-card spherical. That consists of getting ready for April’s draft, wherein the Ravens are anticipated to have 5 picks to fill some positions of want at extensive receiver, cornerback and line of defense.
Much of that work might be achieved this week at Lucas Oil Stadium, the place the NFL invited a complete of 319 prospects to work out and interview with scouts and workforce officers. Ravens coach John Harbaugh and common supervisor Eric DeCosta might be in attendance and can meet with the media on Wednesday afternoon.
With the assistance of Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator, right here’s a take a look at who the Ravens may decide within the 2023 NFL draft, in addition to some further gamers worthy of consideration at every spot. (Because compensatory picks have but to be awarded, the draft order after the second spherical isn’t but finalized.)
Round 1, No. 22 total: Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks
The first-round potentialities are infinite, particularly if the Ravens resolve to commerce Jackson. Any blockbuster deal for the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player would doubtless embody no less than two first-round picks, which the Ravens would obtain in the event that they place the nonexclusive franchise tag on Jackson and select to not match a contract provide he indicators with one other workforce. In this train, it’s assumed the star quarterback will return to Baltimore on both a one-year franchise tag or a long-term deal.
Given the salary-cap restraints created by Jackson’s contract state of affairs, it’s extra vital than ever for the Ravens to hit on these picks. That makes Banks a straightforward alternative.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Baltimore native and Edgewood graduate blossomed right into a standout nook for the Terps, totaling 38 tackles, eight cross breakups and one interception as a senior to earn All-Big Ten honorable point out. Scouting analysts be aware he strikes extremely effectively for his measurement and is a dependable tackler, the form of traits which have pushed him into the first-round dialog.
With Marcus Peters hitting free company and 2022 draft picks Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion “Pepe” Williams each struggling as rookies, the Ravens want a dependable starter reverse three-time Pro Bowl choice Marlon Humphrey. Banks, who ranked fourth within the Big Ten with a 43.3% completion fee allowed and by no means allowed greater than 50 receiving yards in a single recreation, suits the invoice.
Also thought of: Boston College extensive receiver Zay Flowers, Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence, Georgia edge defender Nolan Smith.
Round 3, No. 86 total: Penn State extensive receiver Parker Washington
With the Ravens buying and selling their second-round decide to the Chicago Bears for linebacker Roquan Smith, there might be loads of anxious moments on Day 2 of the draft — particularly if Baltimore passes on a large receiver within the first spherical.
But followers shouldn’t fret about lacking out on a number of the prime pass-catchers on this class. While it isn’t a extremely praised group of wideouts, there are many intriguing names who might nonetheless be accessible when the Ravens make their second choice.
Washington, a three-year standout at Penn State, is a kind of gamers. Although he’s listed at simply 5-10 and 212 kilos, he’s an distinctive athlete who posted a number of the finest SPARQ (pace, energy, agility, response and quickness) testing numbers within the nation as a highschool prospect and completed his school profession with an elite 71.4% contested-catch fee, in line with Pro Football Focus. He by no means had a breakout season with the Nittany Lions, however he made no less than one catch in all 32 profession video games — together with some highlight-worthy ones.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Ladd McConkey grew to become Georgia’s most efficient extensive receiver in coordinator Todd Monken’s offense, and 5-11, 195-pound Adam Humphries loved the most effective season of his NFL profession when Monken known as the performs in Tampa Bay. With most of his expertise coming from the slot, Washington might have comparable success in Baltimore.
Also thought of: Wake Forest extensive receiver A.T. Perry, North Dakota State guard-tackle Cody Mauch, Auburn operating again Tank Bigsby.
Round 4, No. 125 total: Ohio State edge defender Zach Harrison
With Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul getting into free company and 2021 first-round decide Odafe Oweh coming off a disappointing sophomore season, the Ravens might use some assist at edge defender. Enter Harrison, a former five-star prospect.
Listed at 6-6 and 272 kilos, Harrison has the body and power to be an influence cross rusher on the subsequent degree — if he can reap the benefits of his measurement. Although he by no means fairly lived as much as the recruiting hype, he was constant all through his profession and is coming off his most efficient school season, recording six sacks and 24 quarterback hurries on 256 pass-rush snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s earned an 85-plus pass-rushing grade in every of the previous three seasons.
At the very least, draft analysts be aware he’s dependable setting the sting and defending the run — one thing Oweh and different Ravens outdoors linebackers struggled to do at occasions final season. At this vary, he’s value taking an opportunity on to mould into a possible high-end starter.
Also thought of: Clemson edge defender Okay.J. Henry, Ohio State security Ronnie Hickman, Southern California guard Andrew Vorhees.
Round 5, No. 159 total: Georgia operating again Kenny McIntosh
A operating again is perhaps the very last thing Ravens followers need, however with J.Okay. Dobbins and Gus Edwards persevering with to work their approach again from main knee accidents, it’s vital to have depth on the place. Edwards is also a salary-cap casualty if his $5.6 million cap hit isn’t to the Ravens’ liking, additional depleting the choices behind Dobbins.
Given his ties to Monken at Georgia, McIntosh is an apparent match. The 6-1, 220-pound Florida native was not solely the Bulldogs’ main rusher in 2022, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, but in addition their third-leading receiver with 43 catches for 504 yards.
At the Senior Bowl, McIntosh praised Monken and pleaded for him to return to Athens after the veteran assistant helped lead the Bulldogs to a second straight nationwide title.
“[He] knows how to use the weapons,” McIntosh instructed reporters in Mobile, Alabama. “He gets the ball in everyone’s hands, and it’s a blessing and I thank God for it.”
Also thought of: Pittsburgh operating again Israel Abanikanda, Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents, Washington guard-tackle Jaxson Kirkland.
Round 6, No. 200 total: Alabama defensive deal with DJ Dale
The return of veterans Calais Campbell and Brent Urban is essential for the line of defense, however the Ravens must get youthful up entrance. The 6-3, 300-pound Dale, who performed 4 seasons at Alabama after incomes a uncommon beginning spot as a real freshman beneath legendary coach Nick Saban, is an intriguing prospect.
While the previous four-star recruit by no means grew into the game-wrecking pressure some may need anticipated, he delivered regular manufacturing, recording 74 tackles, 11 1/2 tackles for loss, and 5 1/2 sacks throughout his profession. As a senior, he additionally flashed potential as an inside cross rusher. According to Pro Football Focus, Dale posted an 11.3% pass-rush win fee (the flexibility to beat a block inside 2.5 seconds), an elite mark amongst inside defensive linemen who performed no less than 300 snaps in 2022.
While NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein stated Dale might battle towards larger inside offensive linemen, he “should offer immediate rotational help” on the subsequent degree. That’s simply what the Ravens want.
Also thought of: Mississippi State defensive deal with Cameron Young, BYU extensive receiver Puka Nacua, Pittsburgh edge defender Habakkuk Baldonado.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com