The Baltimore Ravens have typically adhered to the strategy of taking the best player available whenever they need to make an NFL Draft selection. Adhering to that philosophy could be quite prudent in the 2024 Draft, as the Ravens could use their premium picks on any number of positions.
With Baltimore needing more youth on the offensive line, playmakers around Lamar Jackson, and defensive secondary standouts who could help mitigate some possible veteran losses, Eric DeCosta might need to take a look at the Big 12 conference to find his next set of reinforcements.
Impactful playmakers like Mark Andrews (Oklahoma), defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M, at the time), and Justice Hill (Oklahoma State) have all come from this conference, and the Ravens should take advantage of the fact the Big 12 is oozing with quality Day 2 and early Day 3 players this year.
If the Ravens wanted to select only Big 12 players in this draft class, they could easily land a handful of future long-term building blocks while getting some invaluable depth at positionsof need. The skill positions and trenches on offense would be getting a major shot in the arm here/
Baltimore Ravens All-Big 12 7-round NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 30: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Ronnie Stanley debate will likely march on for the remainder of the early stages of free agency. On top of that, Morgan Moses is going to turn 33 years old in March, and Daniel Faalele hasn't shown enough to slide into a starting role. Offensive tackle is very much in play at No. 30, especially if Stanley is cut.
Guyton was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl, as his raw power was simply overwhelming opposing pass rushers. At 6-7 and 328 pounds with incredible run-blocking skill and explosion off the line, Guyton fits in well with Baltimore's history of drafting gargantuan, if raw, tackles like Daniel Faalele.
Tyler Guyton could be an instant starter for the Baltimore Ravens
Guyton may not be as pro-ready as tackles in this range like Arizona's Jordan Morgan or Washington's Troy Fautanu, as he wins with average pass-blocking technique and mobility in a way he won't at the professional level. Complex stunts figuring out gap responsibilities often gave him trouble.
If the Ravens are comfortable with Stanley and Moses starting at tackle in 2024 and then giving Guyton a starting role the following year, they could create a perfect succession plan at one of the most important positions in the league. Plus, getting more protection for Lamar Jackson is never a bad idea.
Round 2, Pick 62: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Ravens still need more playmaking at the wide receiver spot, as Zay Flowers is not enough to carry a receiving corps despite one of the best tight ends in the game in Mark Andrews taking some of the pressure away from them. If they want to add another wideout, speed should be high atop the priority list.
The 172-pound Worthy has legitimate issues fighting through any contact on top of some drops, but he is a game-breaker who can get vertical and make plays as a ball carrier. In the right scheme, it's not unreasonable to say Worthy could eventually lead the NFL in yards per catch at his peak.
The Baltimore Ravens could draft Xavier Worthy
Round 3, Pick 93: Josh Newton, CB, TCU
The Ravens' cornerback room is not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but the drop-off between Marlon Humphrey (who has a very slim chance of being a cap casualty) and Brandon Stephens is noticeable. With Ronald Darby about to be a free agent, the Ravens need to make an addition to their cornerback room.
Newton is a very sticky cornerback who plays tremendous zone coverage and has shown a propensity for making plays in 50/50 situations. If the Ravens land Newton at 93, they should be doing cartwheels, as very few Day 2 prospects have his playmaking skill and NFL-ready coverage skills.
Round 4, Pick 130: Nelson Ceasar, EDGE, Houston
With or without Jadeveon Clowney coming back, the possible cut of Tyus Bowser and continued injuries haunting David Ojabo has Baltimore's depth at edge rusher looking paltry. Day 3 seems like the best time to take a backup who could eventually push for rotational snaps.
Ceasar took a big step forward as a pass rusher this season, using his quick first step and a wide array of advanced rush moves to get to the quarterback. His rookie year can be spent on getting bigger before his speedy style, filled with crafty plans of attack, is fully unleashed on the NFL.
Emani Bailey could be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
Round 5, Pick 163: Emani Bailey, RB, TCU
Injuries to JK Dobbins (who may not return to the Ravens) and late-round steal Keaton Mitchell show both the need for one more running back to add to the mix and the fact that depth at this position is incredibly important for a team that runs like no other.
Bailey is a big-play back who has a surprising ability to break tackles for a smaller runner. While he might be a bit one-dimensional, the injury to Mitchell could leave the Baltimore running back room needing that extra dimension of pop that Bailey can help provide.
Round 7, Pick 225: Kenny Logan, SAF, Kansas
This is the time to not only search for backups, but also look for core special teamers. Logan was a puzzling combine snub, as his tape with the Jayhawks was strong enough to where he should be considered a draftable player with enough upside to eventually mold himself into a starter.
If Geno Stone can become a quality player, why can't Logan? While not an overly physical hitter when he needs to creep into the box in run defense, Logan can hang back in zone better than most Day 3 safeties while creating turnovers and showing off tremendous play recognition.
Kenny Logan could end up with the Baltimore Ravens
Round 7, Pick 247: Willis Patrick, OG, TCU
This is the time to gamble on tools and hope that there's a quality lineman in there somewhere. Even though Patrick was not invited to the combine, the Ravens should consider adding the well-traveled veteran as either a late-round pick or a priority free agent after the draft.
Patrick put up game tape that was as solid as that of 6-7 teammate and Combine invite Andrew Coker. After going from D-II Angelo State to Deion Sanders' Jackson State, the 355-pound run-blocking specialist in Patrick proved he has enough talent to last at the highest level of college.