After weeks of anticipation, we're finally on the verge of next week's NFL Draft (April 24-26) that begins on Thursday. With Baltimore holding 11 picks, including the 27th overall in Round 1, here are my 10 thoughts on the Ravens heading into the draft, all in 50 words or less:
- Three of Baltimore's first-round picks since 2022 have already made the Pro Bowl – Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, and Zay Flowers. Last year's first-rounder, Nate Wiggins, clearly has Pro Bowl potential. Recent history suggests the Ravens will get terrific value with the 27th pick.
- Baltimore is one of just three franchises that has never had the No. 1 pick. The Ravens' all-time draft history is more impressive when you consider how rarely they've picked in the top 10. They know how to work the board from any position.
- I think Malaki Starks (Georgia) would be a Round 1 win for Baltimore. A secondary that includes Starks, Hamilton, Wiggins, and Marlon Humphrey could throw more looks at quarterbacks than a chameleon, without giving up big plays. Sign me up for that.
- On a Friday conference call, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said Georgia has become like the "minor leagues" for the NFL. Starks played 43 games at Georgia, went through hundreds of practices there, and held off people trying to take his job. You know he's competitive.
- General Manager Eric DeCosta said he expects the Ravens to draft "at least one" cornerback. I think they'll draft two. Brandon Stephens, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency, played more defensive snaps (1,047) than any Raven last year.
- Jeremiah mentioned two corners who would be solid picks on Day 2 – Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) and Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina). Their draft stock suffered from season-ending injuries in 2024, but they have first-round talent and should be healthy by Week 1.
- Veteran corner Tre'Davious White won't return to Baltimore after reportedly agreeing to terms with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. No matter what happens in the draft, T.J. Tampa and Jalyn Armour-Davis have an opportunity for larger roles, but both young corners need to stay healthy.
- After signing DeAndre Hopkins, I'd be very surprised if the Ravens take a wide receiver in Round 1. However, ESPN’s Matt Miller thinks Tetairoa McMillan of Arizona would fill a need for Baltimore. Now I'm more curious to see where McMillan is drafted.
- With Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar entering contract years, don't eliminate the possibility of a Day 3 tight end to develop for Baltimore. Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame) and Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) are two possibilities mentioned by ESPN’s Ben Solak.
- The Ravens have had great success signing undrafted rookies. But if Baltimore doesn't trade any of its 11 picks, it's going to be harder than usual for an undrafted rookie to make the initial 53-man roster.
