The Baltimore Ravens are in a bit of a sticky situation, despite being labeled a Super Bowl contender. This team has a bit to figure out on how to actually get over the hump, rather than just consistently be near it.
They'll head into the draft armed with the 27th pick and a ridiculous 10 others. The biggest influence on Baltimore's draft decisions will be free agent Ronnie Stanley. Will he stay, or will he go? If he stays, the need for another offensive tackle becomes significantly less immediate. But if he leaves, the Ravens will have to scramble to draft his replacement. Lamar Jackson isn't going anywhere, and he needs a reliable offensive line.
There are other question marks throughout the roster, but luckily, none are as pressing as the Stanley situation. Without a typical laundry list of needs, general manager Eric DeCosta can sit back and let the draft come to him, which is exactly what he does in this mock draft.
Ravens 3-round mock draft as free agency looms
Versatility is the name of the game for Grey Zabel, and we’re buying in. Zabel has shown he’s capable of playing both guard and tackle, making him a perfect Ravens pick. With Ronnie Stanley’s free agency taking center stage, another key lineman—Patrick Mekari—is also hitting the market, meaning Baltimore needs reinforcements up front.
The selection here is pretty simple: They take Zabel and see how free agency shakes out. If Stanley heads somewhere else for more money, Zabel can compete for a spot at left tackle, though he projects best as a guard. If Stanley returns, Zabel becomes a practical replacement for Mekari. Either way, he gives the Ravens a reliable, high-upside option to keep Lamar Jackson upright.
Consider this our time to say bon voyage to Brandon Stephens. Whether it’s because of free agency or just inconsistent play in coverage last season, the Ravens need a new answer at outside corner.
Enter Azareye’h Thomas, a bigger corner at 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, with the length and athleticism to thrive in Baltimore’s system. He plays with great instincts, tracks the ball well in flight, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the run game. Pairing him with Nate Wiggins could give the Ravens one of the best young cornerback duos in the league.
Of course, he’s not a perfect prospect. His press technique needs work, and his aggression can lead to penalties, but that’s what Chuck Pagano is here for. With a little refinement, Thomas could develop into a high-end starter on the boundary.
It’s unfair to compare Savion Williams to D.K. Metcalf… but at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, the physical similarities are there. He’s a big-bodied receiver who brings a different dimension to Baltimore’s passing attack—something they’ve been missing.
Williams never broke 700 receiving yards at TCU, but don’t let that fool you. His blend of size, strength, and yards-after-catch ability makes him an intriguing prospect. With Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman already in place, Williams wouldn’t need to be a WR1 right away, giving him time to develop into a serious red-zone threat.
Worst case? He doesn’t develop as hoped. Best case? Baltimore steals a game-changing weapon in Round 3. That’s a gamble worth taking.