Baltimore Ravens beef up offense in 7-round All-ACC Mock Draft
By Mike Luciano
The Baltimore Ravens are one of the more interesting teams to observe as the 2024 NFL Draft goes closer. With some key positions locked down, but depth needed at so many positions due to all of their free agents, the Ravens could go in one of several dozen directions when April comes around.
The Ravens don't need to worry about the quarterback position thanks to league MVP Lamar Jackson, and they have some of the finest individual players at their respective positions in the league in Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton. This draft is all about supplementing what they have.
The ACC has been a very fertile ground for the Ravens in the last few years, as they landed their franchise superstar in Jackson (Louisville) and No. 1 wide receiver in Zay Flowers (Boston College) from this conference. The depth on display from this conference is once again quite impressive.
Eric DeCosta and the Ravens won't use all of their draft picks on ACC players, but they could fill out a fairly deep roster if they did. The ACC could help Baltimore restock their backups and land long-term starters, especially in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Baltimore Ravens All-ACC 7-round NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 30: Graham Barton, OT/IOL, Duke
The Ravens are leaning on an older right tackle in Morgan Moses and a left tackle in Ronnie Stanley who has been beaten up by injuries. The interior isn't much better right now, as both of last year's starters at guard in John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler are free agents.
Barton's mobility is the name of the game, as he can get to the second level and block effectively in the run game. While he lacks tremendous power in pass sets, his technique and solid hand placement all lead to a chorus of supporters suggesting he could make a very smooth transition to the NFL.
The Baltimore Ravens could select Graham Barton in the 2024 NFL Draft
Barton was not blessed with the best arm length in the world, which could lead him to eventually kick inside to guard. The good news is he was a road-grader for a run-first Blue Devils offense, which could help him take to blocking for a Jackson-led Ravens team that will always try to pound the rock.
The Ravens could either put Barton on ice for a year before sliding him in as either a Stanley or Moses replacement or put him in at guard immediately while letting either Simpsons or Zeitler walk in free agency. Barton's high floor and athleticism make him a quality Ravens developmental project.