Happy April Fools’ Day, Flock Nation, so let’s allow our imaginations to run wild with the possible moves the Ravens could make on April 1 after missing out on Bobby Wagner.
The rich get richer! Lose future HOF @VonMiller and gain future HOF @Bwagz. The @Ravens made a last min push but the Reigning champs @RamsNFL were too good to pass up.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 31, 2022
After missing out on their latest attempt at an impact free agent, the Ravens may return to the defensive market to get the best player available, a strategy for which I’ve advocated on Russell Street Replay.
New pod is up!! We cover a lot this week, so settle in 😄. https://t.co/SbMjeT3orA
— Russell Street Replay (@RSReplaypod) March 25, 2022
Tyrann Mathieu, Stephon Gilmore or Jadaveon Clowney could all fit the bill, though Clowney’s known dislike of training camp will likely delay his signing.
Numerous teams would love to sign Tyrann Mathieu, though execs I’ve spoken w/this week don’t feel he’s in a rush. The 4x All-Pro is a GREAT player w/interest from #Cowboys, #Colts, #Saints, #Broncos, #Eagles, #Ravens, #Steelers + #Cowboys (will Jerry Jones spend?) – among others.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 1, 2022
While adding two elite safeties in a single offseason with Chuck Clark and Brandon Stephens already on the roster may seem redundant, the NFL is clearly a passing league now, so having at least five reliable defensive backs is becoming a necessity.
But don’t bank on an April 1 blockbuster in Baltimore. Adding an offensive playmaker like D.K. Metcalf or Saquon Barkley sounds fun, but such a move before the draft feels unlikely.
Tomorrow is going to be a miserable day in NFL twitter rumorsville. Just prepare yourselves. “Ravens have traded for DK Metcalf” “Ravens have signed Tyrann Mathieu” “Ravens have traded for Saquon Barkley”. It’s all coming. Happy April 1st.
— Ronald Toothe (@_QuoththeRavens) April 1, 2022
After all, the Ravens have a top-15 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, something with which I’m only a little bit obsessed.
Next on The 14: There's a wide variety of prospects who, for one reason or another, just don't feel right for the Ravens at 14. But depending on the first 13 picks and the trade market on Draft Day, Baltimore may have to get creative with one of them.https://t.co/Dfeelqzd4p
— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) March 31, 2022
So instead about speculating about potential trades or signings, let’s speculate about potential draft picks by taking a look at some mock drafts!
Jermaine Johnson plays like a Raven, as laid out by James Ogden, making him a popular mock selection for Baltimore’s 14th overall pick. I’d be perfectly happy with a Day 1 starting 3-4 OLB and edge pass rusher, giving the Ravens a solid one-two edge-rushing punch with Johnson and Odafe Oweh and freeing up Tyus Bowser to play a variety of roles.
Even after signing Michael Pierce, interior defensive line is still a concern in Baltimore, making the potentially-generational Jordan Davis an attractive option at 14.
It’s hard to argue against Davis in these situations unless you would generally prefer a cornerback in Andrew Booth Jr. or Trent McDuffie.
Other than those picks, most analysts are expecting the Ravens to go with relatively safe picks at 14, one of which could be McDuffie.
But Bucky Brooks lets Charles Cross fall past the Ravens, something I would not allow if I were Eric DeCosta. Cross is the best pass-protecting offensive tackle in the 2022 draft class; he’s an absolute steal at 14 even if he needs time to develop in Baltimore.
Similarly, ex-Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum lets LSU cornerback Derek Stingley fall beyond 14 in favor of Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum.
There are well-documented issues with Linderbaum’s fit in the Ravens’ gap-heavy rushing scheme, but more importantly, I cannot imagine EDC letting arguably the best cornerback in the draft – and one that certainly fits Baltimore’s press-man, island-corner defensive scheme – slip by him.
After all, a secondary comprised of Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Derek Stingley, Marcus Williams, Chuck Clark and Brandon Stephens seems like an appropriate answer to Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals.
