Happy Friday, Flock Nation! We are less than two weeks from the 2022 NFL Draft, and I, for one, could not be more excited.
I’d like to start by thanking James Ogden for his incredible work on a brand-new Ravens draft guide with in-depth, Ravens-focused breakdowns of over 100 prospects, with contributions from offensive line guru Cole Jackson as well. I highly encourage everyone to check it out before the draft, as it’s an amazing, one-of-a-kind resource for Ravens fans.
Several months of work, hundreds of hours of watching film, hundreds of hours of writing, over 100 individual player reports and over 80,000 words later – here is my 2022 NFL Draft Guide – tailored for fans of the Baltimore Ravens https://t.co/W5DYaYHbTo
— James Ogden (@NflOgden) April 15, 2022
For a taste of what you’ll get in the guide, check out James’ work in prospect evaluation here at RSR on our Ravens Draft Central hub.
And it couldn’t be a better year, as the Ravens have 10 picks in this year’s draft, including the 14th overall. I’ve written about that pick extensively here on Russell Street Report, but I’m still not sure what the Ravens will do if the draft board turns out to look like this:
The Baltimore #Ravens are on the clock…
Who are you taking in this scenario if you’re EDC?#RavensFlock#NFLdraft#NFL pic.twitter.com/YPOKPCAvTo
— Flockville (@Flockville) April 15, 2022
In this scenario, 12 of my top 14 players are all gone by the time the Ravens are on the clock, with Clemson’s Andrew Booth remaining as a default option as best cornerback available.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta talking to former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff on FA, comp picks and draft philosophy.
We get a great mention of what DeCosta learned from the seminal "Loser's Curse" paper from @bcmassey & @R_Thaler pic.twitter.com/Kzl1W0fitr
— Kevin Cole (@KevinColePFF) April 14, 2022
I’m sure EDC would be looking to trade back and grab a few extra bites at the apple in a draft with a ton of quality depth at key positions, but if Baltimore is forced to ‘stick-and-pick,’ I could see them going in a few directions. I’ve personally advocated for drafting USC wideout Drake London to supercharge the Ravens offense and ensure Lamar Jackson has inexpensive, elite weapons for the next few years.
😒😒😒😒 pic.twitter.com/YwqI7e1dZX
— Ramey (@HoodieRamey) April 15, 2022
Another less-sexy option would be Utah’s Devin Lloyd, the prototypical modern NFL linebacker who plays like a Raven with his instincts and versatility. He wouldn’t be an especially exciting pick, but I think he’s one of the most sure-thing prospects in this draft, so it would be hard to complain if he ended up in Baltimore.
A few ex-Ravens found new homes in the NFC North this week, with Sammy Watkins joining Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and DeShon Elliott signing with the Lions.
The #Packers traded superstar WR Davante Adams and lost speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. Signing veteran Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million is a low-risk addition, and likely just the first of several moves to fill that void.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 14, 2022
Watkins will be a reliable veteran target for Rodgers, especially early in the season, while Elliott should be able to secure a starting spot and prove himself as a potential Pro Bowler if he can stay healthy.
#Lions have signed unrestricted free agent S DeShon Elliott
📰 https://t.co/7Ewqu8mlOW pic.twitter.com/86hNoklwmO
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 14, 2022
One of the last potential targets for the Ravens, All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, landed with the Indianapolis Colts on a two-year, $23-million deal that Baltimore certainly could not have matched. I was holding out hope that the Ravens would go after Gilmore as the best free agent available, especially at cornerback where Baltimore’s depth has evaporated in recent weeks.
Gilmore is heading to Indy 🔥
The cornerback is signing a 2-yr, $23M deal with $14M guaranteed, per @adamschefter
(first reported by: @JosinaAnderson) pic.twitter.com/DTKtQdX1WR
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 15, 2022
But with Gilmore off the table, the Ravens will likely be looking to the draft for at least one cornerback for the 2022 season.
