After the first two mock drafts of the season, we are onto our third and final mock draft before the Baltimore Ravens make their selection with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Of course, they could also trade down, but for now, we are going to play out this draft as if they make their selections.
We used ESPN to find a pool of players, and we are viewing this through what we think could happen, not what we want to happen. So, how does this mock draft break for the Baltimore Ravens?
Round 1, pick 22: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
This may be a surprising pick, but it is also a very possible pick. When we broke down the most likely locks for the top 21 picks, we had four cornerbacks off of the board by now, and they were gone in this mock draft as well. So, there is a real argument that Forbes is the next-best player here.
Forbes arguably has good, or better tape than a lot of prospects, but he showed up to the NFL combine and was over 6', but under 170 pounds. You just do not see guys that tall and skinny in the NFL, so there is a question of what exactly he can be in the NFL. The crazy part is that this was never an issue when he played, and he never backed down from a battle in strength.
The Baltimore Ravens have to like his toughness, and they have to think he could be their highest-graded player on the board. He would be a first-round pick if not for the weight, and in a draft without many slam dunk first-rounders, the Baltimore Ravens boost their secondary with Emmanuel Forbes from Mississippi State.
Round 3, Pick 86: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnatti
In the first two mock drafts, we had the Baltimore Ravens going with a wide receiver, then using the depth of the cornerback class to find one in round three. This time we go the opposite. It is fair to think that the cornerback run is going to start earlier, and therefore, the wide receiver run may last until this spot in the draft.
If that is the case, a great option is Tyler Scott from Cincinnati. Scott is a speed merchant, but not just down the field, he also is electric with the ball in his hands. The team can use him as a jet sweep player, and he can take end around, or at least freeze defenders on the edges to free up the middle for J.K. Dobbins.
Still, he can get open down the field and has a pretty solid route running as well. The Baltimore Ravens could see him as a mix of Nelson Agholor and Devin Duvernay. If they can get some of the better qualities of both without mixing and matching them on the field it would not a bad outcome.
Scott is probably going to stick in that role, and will not be a number one
Round 4, pick 124: Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri
The Baltimore Ravens would love to see Isaiah McGuire. He fits exactly what they look for from their edge rushers. McGuire is a bigger, thicker, edge rusher who wins more with his power than his speed around the edge. However, every once in a while he surprised you with speed.
Still, without Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul he brings some youth to a transitioning room.
Round 5, Pick 157: Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan
Sidy Sow would be a great addition in round five. He is a bit older, being a five-year starter in the MAC. Sow is not going to wow you with dominant play, but he finishes in the run game and is nasty in his demeanor. Four years starting at left guard could have him slotting right into that role in the NFL as well. He can at least push Ben Cleveland, who right now is being handed a starting job.
Round 7, Pick 199: Lance Boykin, CB, Coastal Carolina
Lance Boykin can compete to get work in the slot, and the Ravens definitely have a need there. In the seventh round, he adds depth to a cornerback room that badly needs it.