3 dream players who the Ravens should hope will fall to pick No. 14
By Kristen Wong
2. Evan Neal
From crimson to purple: could Evan Neal really land on the Ravens this year?
It’s highly improbable, but doesn’t hurt to dream.
Neal jockeys with Ikem Ekwonu for the title of the top offensive tackle in this class and will likely be taken off the board within the first five picks. So in reality, the Ravens would have to pay a hefty premium to trade up and nab him, but…crazier things have happened this offseason, after all.
In a quarterback-thin draft class, offensive tackles have suddenly become the cream of the crop and are rising faster than perhaps any other position group — and every NFL team needs O-line reinforcements.
The Alabama product has been described as a day one starter who can make massive contributions in run blocking and making sure Lamar Jackson stays upright. If Jackson wanted Sauce Gardner that badly, we bet he covets a five-star offensive line recruit like Neal even more.
Baltimore struggled with pass protection all throughout 2021, partly due to Jackson’s inconsistent play and partly due to debilitating offensive line injuries.
Newly signed Morgan Moses fills an important gap on the line, but the Ravens know they must continue adding reinforcements to give Jackson the best chance at success in 2022. The ever versatile Pat Mekari could always fill Bradley Bozeman’s position, letting a top prospect like Evan Neal slide seamlessly in at right tackle.
Neal is a long shot, but he would do wonders for the Ravens’ offense. Baltimore definitely has him at the top of its dream wish list.