The Baltimore Ravens have signed Derrick Henry and locked up Justin Madubuike in free agency. Beyond that, the Ravens have largely sat out free agency while some of their best players found new homes. The franchise's 2024 NFL Draft plans have changed as a result.
The Ravens are no longer in a position to sit back and let the best player available fall into their laps. Baltimore has often adhered to that philosophy in both the best and worst of times, but their inability to retain some of their bigger names leaves Lamar Jackson and the defense as a whole in a less advantageous position.
Instead, Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh have multiple glaring holes they need to address early in the draft with some of their premium picks. Failure to do so could have dire consequences in the AFC North, as every team in that group has a legitimate shot at the division title.
The Ravens have four major areas of need that need to be addressed as soon as possible when the 2024 NFL Draft comes around. If DeCosta isn't going to spend money on veterans, the least he could do is add some young talents for the future in areas of need.
#RavensMailbag: What are ways to keep the pass rush thriving?
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 3, 2024
What magic could EDC create during the Draft? https://t.co/sDgbH97yWT
Baltimore Ravens biggest team needs ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Offensive Line
This doesn't even need much explanation. Three of Baltimore's five starters from last season are starting elsewhere after John Simpson and Morgan Moses ended up on the Jets and Kevin Zeitler joined the Lions. The Ravens have some strong internal options, including Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees, but drafting a lineman seems like a foregone conclusion.
Players like Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton, Duke's Graham Barton, and Arizona's Jordan Morgan have been presented as popular picks for the Ravens in the first round of the draft. If Baltimore comes out of this draft with a high-end starter picked early and a mid-round guard, DeCosta can call that a success.
Wide Receiver
The Ravens' eternal quest for more receiver talent around Lamar Jackson shouldn't come to a close now that Zay Flowers has emerged as a viable starter. One more name, be it a veteran or a young player, must step in alongside Rashod Bateman.
If the Ravens want to target a receiver in the second round. Names like Florida's Ricky Pearsall and Western Kentucky's Malachi Corley could be available. In the third round, keep an eye on North Carolina's Tez Walker and Washington's Jalen McMillan.
Cornerback
The Ravens have one standout corner in Marlon Humphrey and a perfectly serviceable Brandon Stephens next to him. Outside of those two, the cupboards are looking thinner than usual in a secondary that lost Ronald Darby and Geno Stone.
Oregon's Khyree Jackson and Rutgers' Max Melton would make for fine second-round targets. In the later rounds, look for Notre Dame's Cam Hart or Kentucky's Andru Phillips.
Pass Rusher
With Jadeveon Clowney in Carolina and Kyle Van Noy still out there, Baltimore's once-mighty pass rush consists of Justin Madubuike by his lonesome on the interior, the still-developing Odafe Oweh moved into a starter role, and the perpetually injured David Ojabo getting more snaps.
If the Ravens want to draft a versatile player who could move inside and outside if needed, Missouri's Darius Robinson and Oregon's Brandon Dorlus could fit the ball. If they want a speed rusher, look for the Penn State duo of Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac to draw some interest.