We’re officially entering the “let’s get weird” phase of NFL Draft season, and the Baltimore Ravens are quietly sitting in one of the most interesting positions in the league.
With 11 picks in their back pocket and no glaring roster holes, Baltimore can either sit tight, trade back, or play the aggressor and move up the board. According to Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus, Eric DeCosta might just be eyeing all of the above.
Valentine cooked up trade scenarios for every team heading into Thursday night’s main event, and the Ravens were featured in two that highlight both ends of the draft-day spectrum. One sends them vaulting into the top half of the first round. The other consolidates their Day 3 stockpile into a much more valuable shot in Round 3.
Both trades are steeped in logic. Both could make the Ravens a better football team. Here are two draft-day trades DeCosta could explore.
Breaking down two potential Ravens draft-day trades
1. Ravens jump to Pick 14 in deal with the Colts
Let’s start with the blockbuster.
This move would put Baltimore squarely in the “go get your guy” zone, which is rare air for a front office that normally lets the board come to them. But with premium edge and interior defensive linemen expected to fly off the board early, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens decided to jump the line.
They’ve got ammo, and they’ve got a need—Odafe Oweh’s in a contract year, Kyle Van Noy is 34, and David Ojabo is still stuck in development limbo.
Trading up to 14 could put them in range for Georgia’s Mykel Williams, Malaki Starks, or even Ole Miss' Walter Nolen. And if you’re giving up a second-rounder this year and next, you better be landing a future stud. This is the kind of move you make if you’re trying to ensure your defense is gassed up for a Super Bowl run.
It’s aggressive. It’s expensive. But it makes a lot of sense.
2. Ravens package Day 3 picks to move up with Saints
This is more classic DeCosta. Take your compensatory buffet and turn it into a real asset.
The Ravens have four comp picks this year and don’t need 11 rookies on the roster. So flipping three Day 3 selections to land another top-75 pick is exactly the type of smart roster management that helps you keep the cupboard stocked without getting bloated.
Pick 71 puts them in prime territory for a swing on a starting-caliber guard like Tate Ratledge (Georgia) or Wyatt Milum (West Virginia). It’s also a sweet spot for this year’s deep cornerback class or even a developmental back like Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) or Dylan Sampson (Tennessee).
This would be an electric move by DeCosta and one with tons of merit. This draft is strong in the 25-75 prospect range, and the last thing this team needs is three sixth-round picks trying to fight for a roster spot when they could snag a potential difference-maker instead.
There’s still a chance Baltimore stays put at 27 and makes their usual smart, predictable pick that turns out to be a stud. If either of these scenarios plays out, it’s a clear sign: the Ravens aren’t sitting back this year. They’re embracing the chaos.