OTL: OBJ Secured, #RavensFlock Gets Greedy at WR

In the midst of a flurry of news, sometimes it’s better to lead with the most important news, the news in the NFL community and the community around the league’s people. Tuesday into Wednesday and the foreseeable future, we remember Chris Smith, who unfortunately passed away this week:

Statement from the Baltimore Ravens on Chris Smith: pic.twitter.com/9n52LSd4Gh

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 18, 2023

At just 31 years old, Smith’s death is tragic, and there’s been an outpouring of love for the 8-year NFL player. Smith had a great career for the Browns, Bengals, Jaguars and Ravens, but his career of course pales in comparison to who he was off the field. May he rest in peace.

It’s always difficult transitioning from this sort of news, so I’ll start with some that’s less critical: pre-draft prospect visits.

On Tuesday, it was reported that the Ravens will be meeting with two players that caught my eye: South Carolina CB Cam Smith and Georgia OLB Nolan Smith.

The Ravens hosted a visit with South Carolina CB Cam Smith, per @TomPelissero.

He is projected as a first round pick. pic.twitter.com/JTmuPWVGEW

— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) April 18, 2023

The Ravens hosted a visit with Georgia OLB Nolan Smith, per @AaronWilson_NFL.

He is projected to be a first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/EnUxEUhnxH

— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) April 18, 2023

Given the team’s immediate need on the defensive boundary, I’ll start with South Carolina’s Smith. At 6’1,” there’s no doubt Smith has the size to play outside, but he has the athleticism to match, and that’s what excites me the most.

While it seems he’s more suited for zone coverages right now, Smith ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and ranked 8^th in athleticism at his position, per NFL.com. Lance Zierlein compares him to A.J. Bouye – who had a great career in his own right – but I think he could be even better, if coached well. Historically, the Ravens have coached CBs well.

Georgia’s Smith excites me more though. Yes, he’s likely to go in the first round, meaning Baltimore would have to use a high-value pick on the EDGE, but he could transform the pass rush right away. Last year, we saw how valuable an athletic, speedy rusher could be when Travon Walker came into his own. Smith may not be worthy of the #1 Pick, but I don’t think his profile is that different. Don’t sleep on him as a possible candidate in a few weeks.

Draft aside, more news about Lamar Jackson came out on the Pat MacAfee Show yesterday:

"Before last season the Ravens offered Lamar Jackson a 5 year extension for $250M..

Lamar Jackson was guaranteed $175M for injury and $133M fully guaranteed" @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/u34e7amhWt

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 18, 2023

The Jalen Hurts contract has really put things in perspective for many fans. For me, I believe it’s only positive in regards to Baltimore keeping its franchise QB. At the same time, it’s kicked off more rumors about said quarterback’s future targets, namely DeAndre Hopkins:

"My sources said that DeAndre Hopkins to Baltimore could still happen" @REALPACMAN24 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/V78fODeoSs

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 18, 2023

As McAfee says, I’d be very happy if D-Hop ended up in Baltimore, particularly if it meant Jackson returns. The QB made it clear who he wanted to throw to; if Baltimore makes it happen, I think he stays. So, here’s how it could happen:

Ravens still have interest in Hopkins according to Pac Man Jones

Lamar asked for Hopkins and Odell. Ravens already got Odell

Hopkins cap number is 19 million. Lamar extension frees up over 20

You going to sign that fair deal Ravens offered you so we can get the duo you want? pic.twitter.com/IEBd2lzGp3

— RavensFlock20 (@Bateman_Szn7) April 18, 2023

Per usual, it all starts and ends with Lamar. Simply put, Jackson has to decide what he wants to do, but it’s clear what the fans want:

According to Adam “Pacman” Jones, the Ravens acquiring WR DeAndre Hopkins “could still happen.”

He also stated the five teams that were in on Hopkins back in March. Which turned out to be true. pic.twitter.com/7GaSmKW58N

— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) April 18, 2023

If you bring Hopkins in, WR is no longer a first-round need, and Nolan Smith really becomes a possibility.

This week, I’ll finish by shouting out Cole Jackson, who wrote his first ever article for the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday. A regular contributor to RSR, Jackson is a key member of Ravens Flock, and it’s our duty to give his piece some eyes. It’s absolutely worth a read:

Extremely excited to post my first article with the @Ravens

Today, we dive into the film of the top WRs in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Lets go! #Ravens #RavensFlockhttps://t.co/SIUNeXW5eE

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) April 18, 2023