Happy draft week, Flock Nation! Historically, this week has been quite important to the Ravens franchise, perhaps more so than most other teams in the league. While every team ultimately looks to improve their roster via the draft on a yearly basis, for the Ravens it’s become an art form. There’s a reason so many around the league respect their drafting ability and eye for scouting talent, and both will surely be on display Thursday-Saturday of this week as Eric DeCosta and company look to keep pace with the rest of the high-powered AFC.
To kick off this week, we asked Ravens Twitter to tell us some lesser-known players that they think could make an impact at the NFL level (either in Baltimore or otherwise). Without any further ado, let’s see what some of you thought!
Romeo Doubs, Akayleb Evans, Tyler Badie.
Amare Barno could be fun with right coaching
— Michael Natelli (@MichaelNatelli) April 23, 2022
Romeo Doubs is one player whose name was mentioned on numerous occasions, and for good reason. In a stacked wide receiver class, he’s slightly slipped under the radar as of late, but his potential may just be right there at the top of the list with the likes of Jameson Williams and Garrett Wilson. A true “do it all” kind of prospect, it seems as if the only thing that can hold Doubs back is himself. Physically and athletically, there are few players who can match what he puts on the field. His only glaring weakness is the inconsistency with drops, but should he manage to get that under control he’s going to be a steal for a receiver needy team. Perhaps the Ravens front office looks his way in the middle rounds of this draft?
You already know my answer
*whispers* Troy Andersen
— ⚡️Garrett Ferguson⚡️ (@GarrettSprints) April 23, 2022
Speaking of “do it all” prospects, how about a guy who can play quarterback, running back, AND linebacker? Look no further than Troy Andersen out of Montana State. Of course, in the NFL he’ll be focusing his efforts on the defensive side of the ball, but we all know how much the Ravens value versatility. Bringing in a mid-round guy to pair alongside Patrick Queen who can also provide a wild card aspect on the offense feels like great value, something else that the Ravens highly covet.
Romeo Doubs has some dog in him. I like him. Sam Williams has the goods the question is can he put it together? I'd say three years in he's an edge rusher everyone wants. Ellis Brooks plays pinball and he's the pinball, underrated linebacker. Sincerely, Sincere McCormick can ball
— Chris Schisler (@footballman58) April 23, 2022
Lastly, let’s take a look at Sam Williams out of Ole Miss. While he may have a ways to go in terms of being well rounded enough to be an every down player, his pass rush potential would make him a great 3rd down rotational piece along the Ravens front. Williams possesses great quickness off the snap, and above average hand fighting ability that he pairs with some pretty sweet pass rush moves. In his NFL.com scouting report, one anonymous AFC executive was quoted as saying “Draft the rush and worry about the rest of it later. He has the talent to get after quarterbacks and that will always have value in the league. Always.” For a team desperate to find more bodies to do just that, he could be a valuable mid-round asset for the Ravens.
Before we get out of here, we’d be remiss not to discuss the rumors out of New York last week that the Giants are shopping wide receiver Kadarius Toney after just one season with the team.
Devin Duvernay and a 4th for Kadarius Toney?? 👀😈#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/uJPCKsPTd5
— KENNEDY✞🇺🇸 (@Hoodieknoland) April 23, 2022
If the Ravens were indeed looking to make a play for Deebo Samuel but just couldn’t justify the large contract he’s certainly going to receive, Toney could be a heck of a consolation prize. The two are very similar in that he’s more of a “weapon” as opposed to just a pure wide receiver, but make no mistake about it: he’s also got the athleticism to stretch the field when needed. From strictly an on the field standpoint, the move would be a no-brainer.
For Toney, the concerns come off the field. Coming into the NFL from Florida there were already character concerns, and the Giants being done with him after only one season doesn’t exactly signify that those concerns have diminished. Still, if any locker room in football can reinvigorate a young player and get them to fall in line for the greater good, it’s the Ravens. Daniel Jones isn’t exactly Lamar Jackson under center, with all due respect. If the asking price is something the Ravens are comfortable with, this high risk/high reward move could pay off handsomely with a little fine tuning and proper leadership to help Toney mature and reach his full potential.
