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.
Round 2, Pick 62: Tez Walker, WR, North Carolina
The Ravens need a receiver, specifically one with tremendous vertical speed and downfield playmaking ability. Even with his flaws as a route-runner and limited production, the long-limbed Walker's 4.36 40-yard dash established him as a player who is going to be picked somewhere on Day 2.
Walker's explosiveness is obvious to anyone who watched even a cursory bit of North Carolina film. His game-breaking big-play ability would be well-served in a Todd Monken offense that would live to chuck it deep down the field as much as possible in an ideal world.
The Baltimore Ravens could pick up Tez Walker in the 2024 NFL Draft
Round 3, Pick 93: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Melton helped his stock as much as any Day 2 defensive back prospect, as his 40-yard dash was below the coveted 4.4 threshold. This only enhanced his reputation as a first-rate man-cover corner and athlete who continues to rise up the proverbial big boards every week.
Melton wouldn't be an immediate starter in Baltimore, but the Ravens could try to add one more big name to their secondary as they try to build more depth behind Marlon Humphrey. Melton's productivity could help him eventually hit a level on par with what Brandon Stephens has evolved into.
Round 4, Pick 131: Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
Since Fautanu went over so well, why not add his teammate to fill a more traditional backup tackle role? If the Ravens seem unmoved by backup OT Daniel Faalele once again, Rosengarten can fill in at right tackle while Fautanu takes his permanent spot on the left side of the Baltimore offensive line.
Rosengarten is one of the most athletic linemen in this class, as very few tackles in 2024 can get to the second level and be as effective as a run-blocker. On a Baltimore team that will run it more than pass-happy Washington, Rosengarten and Fautanu could lock up the tackle spots long-term.
The Baltimore Ravens could add Roger Rosengarten in the 2024 NFL Draft
Round 4, Pick 134 (Projected): Tyler Davis, IDL, Clemson
Even with Justin Madubuike all but a lock to return via the franchise tag, the Ravens wouldn't be viewed oddly if they make one more addition to their defensive line. While often overshadowed at Clemson by a superior prospect in teammate Ruke Orhorhoro, Davis may eventually become a starter in the NFL.
With 55 college games played, a very explosive first step, and enough power to knock even the sturdiest offensive linemen off their mark with his initial hand usage, Davis is a prospect worth sinking time and effort into developing. As an understudy for Madubuike, Davis could have the perfect mentor.
Round 5, Pick 164: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State
Baltimore must reckon with the fact that their top three sack producers from last season (Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy) are all scheduled to hit free agency. Kamara recorded 13 sacks in his final collegiate season, largely on the back of his tremendous speed and motor.
At 6-1 and 250 pounds, Kamara will likely never be big enough to play all three downs in the NFL. While this could push him further down to Day 3, Kamar's pass-rush box of tools is much more intriguing than what most defensive ends have at this stage. In a specific role, the Rams product could thrive with the Ravens.
The Baltimore Ravens could select Mohamed Kamara in the 2024 NFL Draft
Round 7, Pick 226: Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP
Baltimore will try to target a backup to likely starter Trenton Simpson in his second season, and Knight's ability to fly all over the field gives him the ability to succeed as either a Simpson stand-in should injuries start to take hold or a special teams ace that lingers for multiple consecutive years.
Round 7, Pick 248: Drake Stoops, WR, Oklahoma
While he didn't get invited to the Combine, Stoops is a legitimate NFL prospect and not just a coaches' son. Stoops is limited physically, but he can get open semi-regularly on shorter routes and has great hands. If Baltimore wants a WR5 and special teams gunner, they could do much worse than Stoops.