4. Ravens target: Arden Key, OLB
After missing out on Za’Darius Smith, the Ravens find themselves with a pretty sizable hole at edge rusher. Expect the team to address outside linebacker in some way between now and the end of the 2022 NFL Draft.
One option would be to explore the veteran market and look to bring in a player like Melvin Ingram or even explore re-signing Justin Houston. However, it might be more advantageous to look into bringing in a younger player.
Arden Key is not only someone the Ravens could potentially target, he’s someone they’re already reportedly targeting.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported last week that the Ravens had brought in Key for an official visit. Nothing has come of the visit yet, and Key has visited with a number of teams, but Baltimore’s interest is obvious.
A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Key underwhelmed in his first three seasons with the Raiders. Despite being given ample opportunities, he never lived up to the potential that he showed at LSU.
He was released shortly following the 2020 season and was soon scooped up by the San Francisco 49ers. Key turned his career around with an excellent season that saw him finish with 6.5 sacks despite entering the year with just 3.0 career sacks in 37 games.
Key wouldn’t solve the Ravens’ pass-rush woes entirely, but at just 25-years-old, he’s an ascending young talent coming off a career year. At the right price, he would be a very savvy pickup.