Ravens’ Winner No. 1: Eric DeCosta
A round of applause for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta who has somehow, some way, perfected the art of the draft yet again.
Baltimore’s 2022 draft was a master class at finding the best talent which came at the cost of failing to plug up roster holes. After the draft, the Ravens still have dire needs at wide receiver, the pass-rush, and inside linebacker, among other positions, so the team will likely need to scour free agency for additional reinforcements.
But in terms of putting together an all-around elite draft, there isn’t a single pick fans can be unhappy about. This draft was one for the ages.
The Ravens are getting some draft gems 💎 pic.twitter.com/fKHX5hUD9D
— PFF (@PFF) April 30, 2022
Baltimore secured the top safety, the top center, and the top punter of the draft and added high-end talent like Travis Jones and David Ojabo.
The team also made shrewd moves to shore up both its cornerback unit and tight end unit and finished Day 3 with a developmental running back selection. All good value picks — as to be expected when Eric DeCosta runs the show.
Would we have liked to see the Ravens take a chance on a wideout prospect? Probably. But each of the team’s picks make sense in their own right, even if that Jordan Stout one felt a little out of left field.
Of course, each prospect will have to prove his value on the field this season, but on paper, the Ravens indubitably came away as winners of the draft, largely thanks to one very special general manager. Keep doing what you’re doing, boss.