After a six-game losing streak to end 2021, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves picking in the top half of the first round for the first time since 2017. They have added several day three picks, but these are likely ammunition to move up in the first two days rather than future players for the Ravens. Heading into the draft, the Ravens could have an exodus of defensive linemen in free agency. Similarly, the Ravens must make decisions on Marcus Peters and Tavon Young as cut candidates, meaning they could be in the market for a cornerback in the draft.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 14: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Ojabo might be the most stereotypical Ravens pick for this draft. New defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald coached him at Michigan in 2021, and Ojabo was teammates at one point with Odafe Oweh. The Ravens love drafting freak athletes, and Ojabo fits the bill there. He is almost an Oweh clone, but he has a few extra tools in his pass-rushing tool belt. His physical upside alongside Oweh is nothing short of spectacular.
For more on Ojabo, check out our scouting report on him.
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Round 2, Pick 45: Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut
With Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell likely departures, the Ravens attack the missing run defense with one of the best run defenders in the class. Jones is an exceptional athlete with explosiveness even as a nose tackle. He fits the mold of pocket-pushing interior defenders that the Ravens use, and he will be a locker room leader in Baltimore. Jones also shows up in the most important games. His best collegiate game came against Clemson in 2021.
Round 3, Pick 76: Dylan Parham, iOL, Memphis
Parham was a four-year starter along the Memphis offensive line. He spent two years at left guard, one year at right tackle, and one year at right guard. He is a converted tight end, so he is a plus-athlete on the offensive line, and he is far from a finished product. Some draft analysts project him as a center, but he could fit in anywhere on the interior for the Ravens. If the Ravens do not retain Bradley Bozeman, Parham could be a developmental piece at center with Patrick Mekari sliding from right tackle to center.
Round 3, Pick 99: Cade Otton, TE, Washington
Otton will get lost in the shuffle of day two tight ends, but he is a slam-dunk pick here. He checks off all of the boxes for a modern tight end, and he would be excellent with Mark Andrews. Otton is an intelligent player who excels both in and out of the structure. He is a strong run blocker, and he has great zone instincts. He is not a burner, but he has good hands, and his 6-foot-5 frame allows him to body defenders when the ball is in the air.
Round 4, Pick 108: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
Similar to Otton at tight end, Andersen will get lost in the pack of day two linebackers. He played offense at Montana State, so the Ravens could create packages for Andersen in the NFL. However, his versatility comes at the cost of experience at the linebacker position. Andersen is a good athlete, and he would be the top-cover linebacker for the Ravens if drafted. He excelled regardless of position at Montana State, recording a 1,000-yard rushing season, an All-Conference nod at quarterback, and the 2021 Conference Defensive Player of the Year award.
Round 4, Pick 117: Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
After whiffing on Justice Hill in 2019, the Ravens take another stab at a change-of-pack back with Badie. At Missouri, Badie was electric in space as both a receiver and as a rusher. In the NFL, particularly if drafted by the Ravens, he would be a third-down back and would be unlikely to have many rush attempts. He had reps as a receiver and kick returner at Missouri, so he could offer flexibility in those regards. He is reminiscent of Darren Sproles, a fourth-round pick in 2005.
Round 4, Pick 126: Spencer Burford, OL, UTSA
Burford started two years at both left tackle and left guard at UTSA, but his NFL position would likely be at tackle. He has long arms that aid in pass blocking, and he has an undeniable motor in the run game. He is on the developmental side, but he does have generally good technique. With some polish, Burford could be a good right tackle for the Ravens.
Round 4, Pick 138: Josh Williams, CB, Fayetteville State
Williams will have a learning curve from the FCS level, but he is a spectacular athlete. He was the best athlete and player in every game he played, but he still showed fire and determination as if he was not the best. Starting day one, he would be an excellent special teamer as he is a willing tackler. As a developmental corner, Williams has experience in man and press situations, but he might fit best as a long-term zone defender. He also has strong ball skills even if he was not tested much at Fayetteville State.
Round 4, Pick 140: Reed Blankenship, SAF, Middle Tennessee State
Blankenship fits better as a strong safety than as a free safety, but he was solid enough in coverage at Middle Tennessee State. For the present, he could be a special teams ace, but he could find his way into the defense as a third safety in nickel or dime defenses. Blankenship is a great tackler, and he was a leader and captain of the defense in college. He even made Bruce Feldman’s freaks list before the 2020 season.
Round 6, Pick 194: Markquese Bell, SAF, Florida A&M
Bell is similar stylistically to Blankenship, but he comes from a different pedigree. Bell initially went to Maryland, but off-the-field issues led him to FCS Florida A&M. He is passable in coverage, and he could operate as a single-high free safety, but he is devastating when moving toward the line of scrimmage. He is a thumper, and he would be a special teams star from day one. Bell fits the mold of current Ravens safeties DeShon Elliott and Chuck Clark.
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