3 undrafted free agents who could make an impact for the Ravens

Ravens’ UDFA No. 1: Slade Bolden, WR, Alabama

The shock of the New England Patriots’ 2022 draft may not even have been selecting Cole Strange in the first round. It was passing on Alabama’s Slade Bolden.

Bolden seemed like a sure pick for the Pats given that he was Mac Jones’ college roommate and that he publicly said he models his game after Patriots legend Julian Edelman. Bill Belichick is known for using top-end slot receivers in his offense, and Bolden seemed to check all the boxes.

So when Belichick opted against drafting Bolden and the Ravens picked him up afterward, the NFL world had to do a double-take. Bolden was a Raven now — could he find success with Lamar Jackson?

All initial signs point to yes. Bolden established himself as a productive slot receiver at Alabama, recording 42 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games in 2021.

He doesn’t dazzle anybody with speed or explosiveness, but Bolden can boast above-average catching ability with the quickness and athleticism to haul in massive YAC numbers.

Bolden also seems to be a good culture fit in the Ravens organization and has already grown fond of the team’s catchphrase.

After the shocking Marquise Brown trade, the Ravens have a serious wide receiver problem, and so far no one in the front office seems intent on trading for a vet.

If that’s the case, Baltimore has no choice but to rely on its UDFA class, and Slade Bolden could rise to the top as a surprising quality signing.

The Ravens do love their ‘Bama players after all.