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Mock Draft Roundup 3.0: Three Receivers Remain Hot Choices

020823-MockDraft

WR Quentin Johnston, TCU

**WR Quentin Johnston, TCU**

Johnston has exceptional size, speed and production. He uses a variety of releases to defeat press coverage and gains ground in a hurry with his long, powerful stride. The TCU offense featured him on a lot of crossing routes and deep balls over the top. He amassed a large collection of explosive plays. Drops are his biggest issue. He doesn’t trust his hands, leading to way too many balls bouncing off his body and onto the turf. After the catch, he reminds me of [Mike Williams](https://www.nfl.com/players/mike-williams/) with his long stride and power to break tackles. Overall, Johnston has ideal size and speed, but he needs to become a more reliable finisher with his hands.

2022 stats: 13 games, 60 catches, 1,069 yards, 6 touchdowns

Matt Miller, ESPN

"There will be tons of speculation between now and the draft about the Ravens' long-term plans, given the free agent status of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Until there's more clarity, it's best to move forward assuming the 26-year-old former MVP will return to the Ravens. And whether it's Jackson or someone else at quarterback, wide receiver remains a giant offseason priority in Baltimore. Both Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay are returning next season off injury, so the Ravens need not only more talent at the position but also a healthy contributor. Johnston has a high-level blend of size (6-4, 215 pounds) and deep speed that helped him average 18.9 yards per catch over his three-year career. Drops can be a factor for Johnston, who had six in 2022, but his big-play ability and extended catch radius are much needed in Baltimore. No other team had fewer receiving yards from the WR position than the Ravens' 1,517."

"If I were in the Ravens' draft room, I would be pushing to take Bijan Robinson in this spot. But Baltimore will likely be on a quest to find a legitimate pass-catching weapon, and Johnston has those traits."

"The addition of Quentin Johnston gives Baltimore some size in the wide receiver room. A skill talent group of Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman and Johnston should be above average."

WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

**WR Zay Flowers, FSU**

Flowers is an undersized wideout with outstanding quickness, ball skills and production. He took the majority of his reps outside but he’s also very productive in the slot. He is extremely quick in his release and at the top of his routes. He doesn’t waste any steps or movement. He does everything full speed. He has a very good feel working in zones. He has strong hands to extend for the ball or reach back and pluck it off his back hip. He tracks the deep ball with ease. He is outstanding on jet sweeps because of his quickness and make-you-miss ability. Overall, Flowers’ only flaw is his lack of size and bulk. He reminds me of [T.Y. Hilton](https://www.nfl.com/players/t-y-hilton/).

2022 stats: 12 games, 78 catches, 1,077 yards, 12 touchdowns

"The Ravens' offense isn't doing Lamar Jackson any favors these days, both in terms of their limited scheme that lacks balance, and the absence of explosive weapons in the passing game. Flowers may be undersized, but he's a polished pass-catcher with elite quickness and route-running ability that could instantly help Jackson take this passing game to another level."

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

**WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State**

Smith-Njigba primarily lined up in the slot for the Buckeyes, but he did get some work on the outside. He has a compact build with a strong lower body. Smith-Njigba was very productive playing alongside [Garrett Wilson](https://www.nfl.com/players/garrett-wilson/) and [Chris Olave](https://www.nfl.com/players/chris-olave/) for Ohio State in 2021, but he missed all but three games in 2022 due to injury. He doesn’t have ideal top speed, but he gets to his full speed very quickly. He is very polished as a route runner, leaning on defenders and quickly getting in and out of breaks. He has strong hands and thrives in the middle of the field, as he can pluck the ball while absorbing contact. He has some power and wiggle after the catch, but lacks a second gear. Overall, Smith-Njigba reminds me of [Amon-Ra St. Brown](https://www.nfl.com/players/amon-ra-st-brown/), and I believe he’ll make a similar impact in the NFL.

2022 stats: 3 games, 5 catches, 43 yards, 0 touchdowns

"Ideally, the Ravens could get a player like (Jordan) Addison to attack downfield off of play-action. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, though, would give them someone who can thrive in the intermediate areas of the field alongside tight end Mark Andrews. Smith-Njigba has good hands, is comfortable in the slot and adept at finding soft spaces in coverage. Where he's at medically will make all the difference in his stock."

CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

**CB Deonte Banks, Maryland**

Banks has excellent height, bulk and length for the position. He is very physical in press coverage, routinely staggering and re-routing wide receivers. He has average change-of-direction skills when he has to flip and open up. He does a nice job of staying on top versus go balls and he can locate the ball in the air. In off coverage, he is a little high in his pedal and wastes steps in his plant-and-drive. To see his competitiveness, watch his blocked PAT against Ohio State that was returned for a two-point conversion. He doesn't take plays off. He is a physical and reliable tackler in space. Overall, Banks doesn't have ideal fluidity, but he's tough and possesses ball skills.

2022 stats: 12 games, 38 tackles, 1 interception, 8 passes defended

"I swear I'm not doing this geographically. The Ravens really could use another corner with size and ball skills, and this would not be a reach."

CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia

**CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia**

Ringo is a tall, thick cornerback prospect with outstanding straight-line speed. I love his blend of size, speed and competitiveness, but he has issues with tightness and doesn't always find the football. In press coverage, he carries his hands low, and if he allows a clean release, he is susceptible to inside cuts, especially slants. He has plenty of speed to carry vertical routes. He flashes big-time ball skills (see: his pick-six to sew up the 2021 national championship game), but in 2022, he had issues locating the ball in the air, resulting in multiple big plays and touchdowns allowed. He is very physical as a tackler against the run. Overall, Ringo is a work in progress. His success will depend on what he's asked to do at the next level. I wouldn't rule out a move to safety.

2022 stats: 15 games, 42 tackles, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defended

"Ringo is a big, hyper-athletic corner with plenty of big-name experience. With starter Marcus Peters heading into free agency, the Ravens add his potential successor here."

"The Georgia-to-first-round pipeline continues. A year after five Bulldogs went in Round 1, expect a handful this time around too. Ringo is a long, physical corner who has matched up against some of the best players in the country."

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