The first three selections the Ravens should make in the 2024 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft for 2024 is scheduled to start on April 25 and the Baltimore Ravens are positioned with the 30th overall pick.
The Ravens, who lost in the AFC Championship game the previous season, are aiming to be in the running for the Super Bowl again in 2024. However, Baltimore lost a number of important players in free agency, including defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers), linebacker Patrick Queen (Steelers), safety Geno Stone (Bengals), and starting guards John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions).
In light of that, the following three prospects represent the Ravens’ best bets in the first round.
Oklahoma offensive tackle, Tyler Guyton
Baltimore lost Zeitler and Simpson in addition to trading right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets. This implies that in 2024, the team’s offensive line will have three new starters.
The Ravens might decide to go with Patrick Mekari, an undrafted free agent in 2019, or Daniel Faalele, a fourth-round pick in 2022. If not, though, it would be wise to add the Oklahoma native, who stands 6 feet 7 and weighs 327 pounds, as an offensive lineman.
Pro Football Focus reports that although Guyton only gave up two sacks in his collegiate career, he still needs to improve as a quarterback.
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama
Baltimore might strengthen its secondary, which is lacking in talent save for three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey, by adding more players. The previous season, the group had witnessed multiple players sustain injuries.
It might not be the best idea to take a chance on McKinstry because he has his own medical issues. During his medical evaluation, doctors discovered a Jones fracture in his right foot, which prevented him from working out at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Having said that, the Alabama product, who finished 2021–22 with 93 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and 23 passes defensed, is anticipated to be fully healthy before training camp.
The Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell
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Although the Ravens haven’t always been successful selecting wide receivers in the first round, they struck gold with Zay Flowers in the previous season. Why not attempt to expand quarterback Lamar Jackson’s toolbox once more?
Mitchell’s strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, which included a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, has elevated his draft value.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wide receiver, whose ability to take the top off the defense, would be Flowers’ ideal partner. By recording 55 receptions for 845 yards (15.4 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns in 2023, he demonstrated that he could accomplish just that.
