4 underrated trade targets Ravens should explore before Week 1

The Baltimore Ravens depth chart is set and the preseason is over. Bring on the Chiefs.

From a roster perspective, this team is solid. Of course, football games aren't won on paper. At first glance, the offensive line, receiver room, QB room, and edge rushing group could use some help.

Let's explore four trade targets that could come in and immediately help bolster the roster. It's important to note that these trade targets aren't the best players at their positon. We are looking at these targets as more "bang-for-your-buck" vs. "let's just list the best players in the league to trade for."

With that, here are four underrated, yet ideal, trade targets the Ravens should acquire before Week 1.

Four underrated trade targets Ravens should explore before Week 1

Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson - WR

Zay Flowers is poised to excel as a top NFL wide receiver. His promising rookie season suggests he’s just beginning to tap into his potential. This year, he must prove he can lead the team’s receiving corps, and expectations are high for him to do so. Beyond Flowers, the team’s receiver depth is limited, highlighting the importance of Christian Watson stepping up.

In two seasons with Green Bay, Christian Watson has underperformed, totaling 69 receptions for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns. Speculation suggests a move to Baltimore could turn his fortunes around. The Ravens, lacking size in their receiving corps—Rashod Bateman is their tallest at 6-foot-1—could benefit from Watson’s 6-foot-4 stature and notable speed, potentially revitalizing their offense.

Maybe a new environment is what it will take to unlock Watson's true potential. The Packers are flushed with young intriguing receivers and could oblige in a fair swap.

New York Giants: Evan Neal - OT

Another member of the 2022 NFL draft class, Evan Neal has also been underwhelming. The New York Giants selected the 6-foot-7 Alabama tackle with the seventh pick in the draft. Since then he has had a tough time adjusting to the NFL speed. Regardless, the Ravens could take a flier on the former top-10 pick.

He's still young enough to believe that in a different coaching environment, he could thrive. It wasn't long ago when Neal was pegged as a sure-fire day-one starter in the NFL. The Ravens could use some help at the Offensive Tackle position and it's fair to ponder if they could lowball the Giants to add some depth to the line.

While Neal isn't the best offensive tackle the team could bring in, he could be one of the easiest and cheapest. At 23-years-old he still has time to learn and grow. A Day 3 pick could be all it takes to pry the potential-filled lineman away.

Cleveland Browns: Jameis Winston - QB

Josh Johnson is the team's backup QB. That's not great. Johnson is a 38-year-old who has never really found success in the NFL. This is why the Ravens must bring in another QB. Winston is a bit undervalued, but take him for what he is, and he'd be a great backup to Lamar.

With 80 starts to his name and 141 career touchdown passes, the 30-year-old can step in when needed. Winston has a gun-slinger mentality. Although his play can be erratic, as a backup QB, consistency wouldn't be expected. Winston also appears to be a great presence in the locker room. He would be a valuable addition to the Ravens roster for many reasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka - EDGE

At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Tyron-Shoyinka has the physical build to be a dominant edge rusher in the NFL. For some reason, things haven't worked out in Tampa. The Ravens could use a member or two on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the front seven. Tryon-Shoyinka could be a solid depth piece behind Kyle Van Noy or the eventual starting OLB opposite Odafe Oweh. With David Ojabo in the fold, this unit becomes incredibly deep and dangerous.

Tryon-Shoyinka hasn't lived up to the first-round draft pedigree, but that could change in Baltimore. The Ravens historically field top defensive units which could help the young 25-year-old. His 13 career sacks leave a lot to be desired, but his physical tools, athleticism, and untapped potential could make him a sneaky good fit in Baltimore.

Honorable mention: Jacksonville Jaguars: Adam Gotsis - DT

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