Pundit Names Three Prospects Who Could Address 'Under-the-Radar' Need for Ravens
Much of the discussion about the Ravens' biggest needs this offseason has focused on the offensive line, edge rusher, safety, and cornerback.
However, the interior defensive line has also become a priority due to Michael Pierce's retirement and Brent Urban remaining a free agent.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine named the position as the Ravens' most significant "under-the-radar" need entering the draft, noting that the Ravens "are a little thinner than they are used to" on the interior defensive line.
The Ravens have a strong trio in Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington, but another interior pass-rushing threat, depth, and an infusion of youth are needed. Jones, who was selected by the Ravens in the third round in 2022, is the only defensive tackle Baltimore has drafted in the past four years.
Fortunately, the interior defensive line is arguably the deepest position group in the draft. Ballentine named Oregon's Darrick Harmon, Michigan's Kenneth Grant, and Texas' Alfred Collins as potential targets.
"Landing Derrick Harmon in the first round would give them yet another disruptive option," Ballentine wrote. "Kenneth Grant would be a more one-to-one replacement for Pierce. He could slot in as the rotational nose tackle to spell Jones early on. Alfred Collins is a more realistic Day 2 target with the length to potentially play multiple spots."
Central Arkansas Edge Rusher Named Best Day 3 Fit for Ravens
After looking at the best Day 2 draft fits (as noted in yesterday’s Late for Work), Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron turned his attention to the best Day 3 draft fits.
Central Arkansas edge rusher David Walker was Cameron's pick for the Ravens.
"While size limitations will likely slide him into Day 3, Walker is one of the most productive pass rushers in the class — albeit at the FCS level," Cameron wrote. "His basketball background shows up frequently on tape in his quick feet and lateral movement skills, contributing to a 90.0-plus PFF pass-rush grade in each of the past three seasons
"Against FBS competition at the Senior Bowl (practice and game combined), he generated a 91.1 PFF overall grade, showing he can compete at the next level as a rotational pass rusher."
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. also matched Walker and the Ravens, but not on Day 3. Kiper had the Ravens selecting Walker in the second round in his latest mock draft.
Free Agent Offensive Tackle Says He Is Meeting With Ravens This Week
The Ravens' starters at offensive tackle are set with Pro Bowler Ronnie Stanley on the left side and Roger Rosengarten on the right, but they could use a veteran swing tackle.
A player who fits the bill is free agent George Fant, who told The Athletic's Joseph Person that he was meeting with the Ravens and Tennessee Titans this week.
Fant, 32, was released by the Seattle Seahawks last month after a knee injury limited him to two games last season. He has started 75 games over eight seasons with the Seahawks, New York Jets, and Houston Texans.
