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.
Round 2, Pick 62: Tez Walker, WR, North Carolina
While Baltimore's receivers were better last year than at the nadir of the Greg Roman era, they need at least one (and preferably two) impactful names in the mix before they can feel completely satisfied. In Todd Monken's offense, speed and vertical playmaking are always going to be in high demand.
Walker, who missed some games early in the season due to an odd transfer saga, is a dynamic speedster who should have no issue making difficult catches and big plays down the field. Baltimore might be hoping he doesn't test too well, as he could shoot up draft boards and out of their reach if he managed to kill it at the Combine.
The Baltimore Ravens might draft a WR like Tez Walker
Round 3, Pick 93: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Part of why the potential loss of Patrick Queen in free agency isn't raising a five-alarm fire is the drafting of former Clemson standout Trenton Simpson to replace him in 2024 and beyond. In order to fill the spot vacated by Simpson, or perhaps to compete with him, DeCosta could take one of 2024's finest linebacker prospects in Gray.
Explosion is the name of the game with Gray, as he can fly off the snap and deliver a crushing blow when he gets there. While he might need a year to smooth out the rough edges in his processing and put on a few pounds, Gray fits the model of what Baltimore typically wants from their linebackers.
Round 4, Pick 130: Malik Mustapha, SAF, Wake Forest
Baltimore has never been above throwing a dart at a player with average tape and freakish measurables in the name of molding him into a tremendous role player. With Geno Stone's status uncertain, Mustapha might be worth looking at before he dominates at the NFL Combine.
Mustapha runs a 4.33 40-yard dash at 215 pounds, and he hits like a truck when he flies to the ball. While there aren't many 5-10 (generous) safeties walking around, Mustapha's physical gifts could make him a fun chess piece to play around with while becoming a potential Pro Bowl special teams player.
The Baltimore Ravens could roll the dice on Malik Mustapha in the NFL Draft
Round 5, Pick 163: Tyler Davis, IDL, Clemson
Even if the Ravens retain Justin Madubuike, which is already far from a sure thing, the aging Michael Pierce could stand to benefit from a younger understudy. Davis won't rush the passer quite frequently, but he will be able to eat up space effectively as a run-stuffer.
Davis is a people-mover who can be a genuine force in the run game thanks to uncommon physical strength for a defensive tackle his size. While fellow Tiger prospect Ruke Orhorhoro has more pass-rush upside, getting Davis this late would be widely regarded as a steal.
Round 7, Pick 225: Xavier Thomas, EDGE, Clemson
Thomas is a gamble on pure potential, as injuries prevented a player often heralded as the best defensive recruit in the country in high school from reaching his full potential. He'll slip due to an underwhelming college career, but he has all the tools he needs to become an effective pro player.
Thomas never recorded more than 3.5 sacks in a season in college, but that can be chalked up to injuries. The pre-draft circuit could be very kind to him, as he can show teams the athletic ability he came into college with has not eroded and can help a professional team in some way.
The Baltimore Ravens could take a chance on Xavier Thomas in the NFL Draft
Round 7, Pick 247: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State
Defensive back depth in this new "nickel is base" NFL will always be addressed by savvy teams when the draft comes around. While Jones will likely be nothing more than a special teams player as a rookie, the potential for a much-improved depth piece is in there if given enough time.
Jones is a weak tackler who may never defend the run well enough for full-time starting work, but it's not every year that a player with his man/zone versatility and ability to knock down passes with such grace falls this far down the rankings. On pure talent, Jones is worth a higher pick.