Draft preparation is in full swing for NFL fans at this point in the offseason, and for those who have questions, the Ravens may have some answers this morning:
Our annual pre-Draft press conference will be held at 11:45 a.m.
Livestream available on our website, app, Facebook page and YouTube: https://t.co/185dNdFDKY pic.twitter.com/V2H83cT81F
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 5, 2023
Typically, there’s extremely little said at this meeting. In fact, it may be just as productive to assume everything’s a lie than assume everything’s true. The Ravens and their staff love a good smokescreen.
So, though Wednesday’s press conference won’t shed too much light on their plans, there might be little nuggets of information that make some indications. For what it’s worth, I’ve personally found GM Eric DeCosta is more forthcoming with his feelings about the team than his predecessor Ozzie Newsome was.
Whether that’s good or bad is a different story, but I’ll be tuning in this morning.
This shouldn’t be a surprise, but I’m almost certain the CB position will be discussed. Throughout the years, Baltimore has been known for its defense, and its history of boundary corner duos speaks for itself:
Who was the best cornerback duo the Ravens ever had?
– Chris McAlister & Duane Starks
– Chris McAlister & Samari Rolle
– Jimmy Smith & Lardarius Webb
– Marlon Humphrey & Marcus Peters— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) April 5, 2023
It’s unfortunate that Marcus Peters is no longer at his best, but when he was, I genuinely believe he and Marlon Humphrey may have been the best in franchise history. Regardless, the Ravens are extremely likely to bring in Peters’ replacement, and at the top of my list is Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon.
I doubt he’ll be available when Baltimore’s on the clock, but he is visiting with the team:
The Ravens are going to be hosting Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon on a pre-draft visit. pic.twitter.com/EM1uljebUs
— Ramey (@HoodieRamey) April 4, 2023
More realistic names are those like Joey Porter Jr., Deonte Banks, or Cam Smith, but the position is one of need. Outside the First Round, Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes Jr. could be another intriguing option:
Mississippi State @HailStateFB cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., (4.35 speed) one of the top defensive back prospects, visited #Cowboys on Tuesday and visits #Eagles on Wednesday followed by visits with #Ravens, #Commanders, #Patriots and #Bengals @KPRC2 https://t.co/tb8CUkxFTo
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 5, 2023
Forbes’ speed is something I’d love on the outside, and at 6’0”, he is tall enough to play there.
On the offensive side of the ball, most have severe doubts about the WR position, per usual. An interesting name to watch, however, is Houston’s Tank Dell. He’s not the biggest, but man can he move. I’ve seen him fly up Mock Drafts as of late.
Multiple NFL scouts and GM’s reportedly believe Tank Dell is the “best route runner” in this year’s Draft.
Dell led all of college football last year in receiving yards and TD’s with 1,398 yards and 17 TD’s.
Dell has met with the Bills, Chiefs, Texans, Packers, Browns, Rams,… pic.twitter.com/7fooFbtubw
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 4, 2023
He hasn’t met with Baltimore yet, but don’t be surprised if they like him. There’s been recent success for route runners in their rookie years.
I haven’t put together a list like this yet, but Pedro H. Rhormes lists five of his favorite prospects for the Ravens at each of their current picks. See below:
My five favorite prospects for each Ravens pick:
22:
– Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
– Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
– Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
– Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
– Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State86:
– Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
– Byron Young, EDGE,…— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) April 4, 2023
You may have noticed there were no quarterbacks on that list, but don’t take that as a sign. Rather, Florida QB Anthony Richardson is expected to meet with the Ravens, and the NFL Network was all over it this morning:
Big Deal or No Big Deal:
Anthony Richardson expected to meet with Ravens ahead of draft…
Is this a statement to Lamar? pic.twitter.com/RfZwXYRp0W
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 5, 2023
To me, it’s nothing more than due diligence.
3 Responses
I don’t agree corner is a need. Yes we are in the market for a CB but Marlon is our number 1 corner. So while I can see us taking a CB I don’t believe we’re drafting one in the first round. When you look at the defensive front talent we lost and the WR room we have along with the QB situation I think corner is in there but not the top of the list. Plus we can still bring in FA corners too. Given how livid I was that we drafted a punter, I’m going to say in sarcasm let’s draft a long snapper this year 😆
I agree with the 1st round cornerback options, but what’s the point of mentioning Forbes “outside the first round.” After the first round our next pick is late in the third round. Do you think Forbes will be available then???? And Anthony Richardson? He’ll be drafted in the top 10 – probably in the top 5. What’s the point of mentioning him?? Let’s get real.
I still think we take Malik Cunningham in the 6th rd, unless we trade back then we may take him in the 7th. He matches LJs playing style, has better downfield completion percentage too. He’s raw and needs a lot of refinement. But if LJ can do it, why can’t Malik? Oh and btw, he has an agent. That’s assuming we don’t land someone sooner too. You can’t deny the Stetson Bennett connection either. Just remember, we won a championship with Trent Dilfer. Baltimore wins championships on defense and drags QBs along for the ride! Don’t need no 250 million dollar trailer slowing our defense down.