Ravens find Bradley Bozeman replacement in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft
By Justin Fried
Round 2, 45th Overall, Ravens: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
This wasn’t necessarily a pick for need as much as it was a best-player-available situation. The Ravens don’t need to address wide receiver early in the draft. It isn’t high on their list of priorities this offseason.
However, I also wasn’t going to reach for need at this spot either and the value just wasn’t there at positions like edge rusher, cornerback, or even linebacker. That’s why Christian Watson is the pick here.
Watson has been one of the draft’s fastest risers as his upside has scouts salivating. At 6-foot-4, 208 pounds, Watson has an absurd blend of size and speed that makes him a home-run threat on any play.
Adding Watson to a young Ravens wide receiver corps would give Lamar Jackson another exciting playmaker to develop alongside. And it would take the pressure off of players like Devin Duvernay and James Proche by adding more competition.
Round 3, 76th Overall, Ravens: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
The Ravens cut ties with former slot cornerback Tavon Young this offseason, and at the moment, they don’t really have a player penciled in to take his place. The draft could be a prime opportunity to find their nickel corner of the future.
Houston’s Marcus Jones is a defensive playmaker with some of the best ball skills in this class. He’s outstanding in man coverage and plays with a competitive drive that far exceeds his size.
At just 5-foot-8, Jones will likely be confined to the slot at the NFL level. That alone will cause him to drop a little in the draft. But with the right development, he has a chance to become one of the best slot cornerbacks in football before long.
The Ravens need more playmakers in their secondary and Jones satisfies that need.