The Baltimore Ravens were watching the 2024 NFL Combine with a very keen eye, as they have the opportunity to leapfrog some of the other contenders in the AFC if GM Eric DeCosta can once again work his magic in the NFL Draft. Future stars are just waiting for Baltimore to select them.
The Ravens could try to refurbish an aging offensive line, get more help for MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson at wide receiver, or add to a secondary that could be in need of more depth with the loss of Geno Stone looming. DeCosta and John Harbaugh could also lean on their familiar strategy of best player available.
Now that the Combine has helped separate the average athletes from the future cornerstone pieces, the Ravens can go into the 2024 Draft knowing which athletes they need to prioritize. If the Draft were to be held today, this 7-round mock could help address many of the Ravens' key needs.
Baltimore Ravens 7-round NFL Mock Draft after 2024 NFL Combine
Round 1, Pick 30: Troy Fautanu, OT/OG, Washington
The Ravens could target either a long-term replacement for Ronnie Stanley at left tackle or an immediate starter over John Simpson at left guard. Fautanu can check both of those boxes, as he has the athleticism and quick feet needed to become a tremendous pass blocker in the NFL.
Fautanu pairs his mobility with surprising power, as he is capable of decleating oncoming rushers. The former Huskies star is at his best when dropping back to pass, as he can use his light feet and powerful hands to keep prolific arms like that of Michael Penix Jr. (or Lamar Jackson, possibly) upright.
The Baltimore Ravens could select Troy Fautanu in the 2024 NFL Draft
Fautanu has some issues he needs to work out, namely due to hsi over aggression. What few pressures he did surrender last year came from overextending with his initial punch and failing to properly time speed rushes on the outside. None of these issues should be dealbreakers for Baltimore.
Fautanu's issues can be fixed with careful coaching, which shouldn't be hard to find on a team that turned Simpson into a quality starter and Kevin Zeitler into a Pro Bowler. At No. 30 overall, the only player with this combination of skill and versatility is Duke dynamo Graham Barton.