Ravens land first-round steal in recent 2022 NFL Mock Draft

The Baltimore Ravens have a few directions they could go in with their first-round pick. But one recent scenario proposed by Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network should have fans pretty excited.

Crabbs’ most recent mock draft has the Ravens selecting Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, a pick that Crabbs implied would be an absolute steal.

With a need to get younger on the defensive line and the future of so many of their defensive linemen uncertain, landing a prospect like Leal would certainly be a welcomed addition.

Crabbs insisted that the Ravens were fortunate to have Leal fall right into their laps and explained the pick by stating the following.

"“The Ravens have a reputation in the NFL Draft for conveniently having good players fall into their lap. Surprise! It happened again! DeMarvin Leal is a little bit more of a developmental work in progress but he’s an athletic marvel who would absolutely blossom if given the chance to work alongside Calais Campbell and learn. The Ravens’ needs on offense should include building the trenches, adding a tight end, and getting healthy — and all three, in this year’s class, don’t require a first-round pick to achieve.”"

DeMarvin Leal is an intriguing first-round target for the Ravens

There’s no question that the Ravens have the need on the roster. Brandon Williams is unlikely to return, Justin Ellis is also set to be a free agent, Calais Campbell’s return is pending with retirement looming, and the team could opt to cut ties with Derek Wolfe to save cap space.

Nearly the entire defensive line has question marks surrounding their current statuses, and given the collective age of each of those players, the Ravens absolutely need to get younger at the position.

That’s where Leal comes into play.

Overshadowed a little by Georgia’s Jordan Davis, Leal is another phenomenal defensive tackle prospect who has the size and athleticism to develop into a true difference-maker in the Ravens’ defense.

The 2021 Consensus All-American established himself as one of the premier defensive linemen in the country during his time at Texas A&M and some analysts have labeled him a top-10 prospect in this year’s class.

The Ravens have holes on the offensive line, at linebacker, and in the secondary, but with Leal falling to pick No. 14, it makes sense that Crabbs projected this pick.

DeMarvin Leal is a player to keep an eye on as the weeks and months go on.