Ravens add two physical freaks in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft
By Justin Fried
Round 4, 126th Overall, Ravens: Nick Cross, S, Maryland
Maryland football fans should be very familiar with safety Nick Cross. And with the Ravens likely in the market for an upgrade at the safety position this offseason, perhaps the team could add a little local flair to their defense.
Cross is an athletically-gifted safety prospect with excellent range and athleticism in open space. A three-year starter, Cross still has some room to grow, but he’s far from inexperienced at the position.
The Ravens have been searching for a true free safety since the departure of Earl Thomas and Cross has the skill set to fill that role.
With DeShon Elliott possibly departing in the offseason, the Ravens could have Cross compete with the likes of Brandon Stephens and Geno Stone for playing time in 2022.
Round 4, 138th Overall, Ravens: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
One of the more underrated needs for the Ravens this offseason is at tight end. Mark Andrews established himself as maybe the best tight end in football in 2021, but the team lacks depth behind him.
Nick Boyle’s injury history is a concern and he looked like a shell of his former self upon returning in 2021. Meanwhile, Josh Oliver was little more than a placeholder this past season.
Adding a player like Jelani Woods on Day 3 of the draft could bolster the team’s depth in a big way. Woods has excellent size at nearly 6-foot-7, 260 pounds with standout blocking traits and an intriguing receiving skill set.
The Ravens love having plenty of tight end depth and Woods is exactly the developmental tight end prospect they should consider drafting.