Ravens make aggressive trade in 2024 NFL Mock Draft after Derrick Henry signing
By Mike Luciano
The Baltimore Ravens could use a young stud to help beef up the offensive line and another pass rusher next to the recently extended Justin Madubuike, but the need for more perimeter talent that can get the most out of Lamar Jackson might be what Eric DeCosta ends up targeting in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While this wide receiver class is one of the deepest in recent memory, the top-end prospects are so talented that Baltimore needs to strongly consider moving up in the draft order. The Super Bowl window is open, and that mandates constant aggression from the front office.
In this 7-round mock draft, the Ravens will have traded the No. 30 overall pick, a third-round choice in 2024, and another third-rounder next year to the Los Angeles Rams to move up to No. 19 overall. With this improved draft position, Baltimore could land a genuine No. 1 wide receiver alongside Jackson and Zay Flowers.
Baltimore Ravens 7-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Baltimore trades for WR
Round 1, Pick 19: Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
While Texas' Xavier Worthy may have stolen the show at the NFL Combine by breaking the 40-yard dash record, Thomas running a 4.34 at 6-3 and 210 pounds might be just as impressive, if not more so. He tested as one of the most athletic receivers ever, and his tape backs up those numbers.
Thomas is a premier vertical threat with great hands and top-line speed that helped him blow away fellow NFL prospects in a tough SEC schedule. While having Malik Nabers and Jayden Daniels next to him certainly helped his production, his film shows that he would thrive in any scheme.
Brian Thomas Jr. could change the Baltimore Ravens' offense
Zay Flowers' size could be a concern as he tries to ascend to WR1 status, and the Ravens riding the Rashod Bateman roller coaster might come back to haunt them. Flowers will be a solid receiver for years to come, but Thomas might actually have the higher ceiling of the two.
Anyone who can help Todd Monken run a more vertical offense while letting Jackson show off his tremendous downfield accuracy is a worthy target for the Ravens. With the free agent market looking either too expensive (Calvin Ridley) or too inexperienced to sate Baltimore's desires, the draft could be the best way to improve this group.