Even in a relatively slow week, the NFL never sits still.
The draft is less than two weeks away, and it remains hard to predict who’s coming to Baltimore in Round 1. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco is reportedly returning to the Cleveland Browns, adding another interesting twist to the AFC North.
Here are my weekend thoughts on the Ravens, all in 50 words or less:
- I'm warming to the possibility of Baltimore using an early draft pick on a defensive lineman. With the retirement of Michael Pierce, there's room for a young stud to join the D-line rotation, and the draft is deep at that position.
- Sacks don't tell the whole story, but Nnamdi Madubuike went from a career-high 13 sacks in 2023 to 6.5 in 2024. Adding another interior pass rusher as a running mate might help Madubuike's proven ability to be a quarterback destroyer.
- We saw the Philadelphia Eagles dominate the Super Bowl with a game-wrecking defensive line. You can believe that Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow don't want Baltimore's interior pass rush to become stronger.
- Some talented defensive linemen might still be available for the Ravens at No. 59, including Darius Alexander (Toledo), Kenneth Grant (Michigan), and Tyleik Williams (Ohio State). They'd all benefit from joining a rotation that already includes Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington.
WR Tai Felton, Maryland
After breaking out in 2024 with 96 catches, 1,124 yards, and nine touchdowns, Felton is a solid Day 2 prospect who would add another weapon to Baltimore's wide receiver room. The native of Ashburn, Va. would love staying close to home and joining the Ravens as another weapon for Lamar Jackson.
OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
The 6-foot-6, 331-pound Ersery could be targeted to add depth behind Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten. He started at left tackle for three seasons and was named Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024.
OT Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
Trapilo is huge at 6-foot-8, 321 pounds and made 36 starts for Boston College playing both left and right tackle. He played last season for Bill O'Brien, a former NFL head coach who strongly believes Trapilo is NFL ready. He's a former college teammate of Zay Flowers. Trapilo's talent and intangibles could tempt the Ravens.
EDGE Princely Umanmielen, Mississippi
After four seasons at Florida, Umanmielen stayed in the SEC and broke out with 10.5 sacks for Ole Miss. According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Umanmielen had 55 quarterback pressures and a 91.5 pass rush grade. He may need more strength to set the edge, but Umanmielen could have immediate impact as a pass rusher.
CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State
Burke started 51 games in his career and helped the Buckeyes win a national championship. He gave up some big plays last season, but he's a strong run defender and looked comfortable playing zone. Some draft pundits believe Burke won't be drafted until Day 3, while others view him as a solid Day 2 choice.
CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Marrison's ball skills in college were evident with nine interceptions, and he displayed aggressiveness playing press coverage. A hip injury kept him out of the Combine, but Morrison is scheduled for a Pro Day on April 21. A strong performance there could solidify his status as a Day 2 pick.
CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
Parrish played both outside and nickel in college, which fits the Ravens' preference for versatile corners. He also has special teams experience, which is another attribute that Baltimore covets.
CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
A long wingspan and 6-foot-3 height give Porter the tools to blanket big targets. He's a former wide receiver who displayed his ball skills with three interceptions in 2024. Porter blocked two kicks last season and could make an immediate impact on special teams. He'll enter the draft with 64 games of college experience.
CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
Revel is recovering from ACL knee surgery suffered in September that prevented him from working out at the Combine. He's reportedly on schedule to return to action in August, barring any setbacks. Revel was a projected first-round prospect before his injury and could offer great value as a Day 2 pick once healthy.
S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Joining the Ravens would reunite Watts with Kyle Hamilton, his former teammate at Notre Dame. Watts and Hamilton played together for two seasons and their familiarity could hasten Watts' transition to the NFL. With nine career interceptions, Watts has an instinctive nose for takeaways.
- A defensive lineman to watch in Round 1 is Derrick Harmon of Oregon. He could easily be a top-20 pick. But if Harmon falls farther than that, would the Ravens consider trading up from No. 27 to get him? Having 11 picks gives Baltimore draft capital to make moves.
- According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Browns and Steelers are among the teams Harmon visited this week. If Harmon isn't playing for the Ravens next season, he could be playing against them.
- Speaking of athletes named Derrick, Derrick Henry and LeBron James shared a moment together in Dallas when the Lakers played the Mavericks this week. I didn’t know James is a huge Henry fan, but it makes sense that one king respects another.
- Henry also posted a workout video that went viral, an example of the commitment that helps him remain a dominant force. If you're wondering when Henry will finally start to slow down, you need to stop. It won't happen next season.
- With the Titans and Chiefs in 2024, a 32-year-old De'Andre Hopkins had a combined 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns, and 35 of those catches produced first downs. Playing in a star-studded offense, Hopkins has plenty left in the tank to help the Ravens.
- In his latest mock draft conference call, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. mentioned Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. as a potential Round 2 target for the Ravens. Coming off ACL surgery, he diminished concern by running a sub 4.5 at his Pro Day.
