The NFL draft has evolved from a draft-junkie-only affair of husbands trying to hide from their family on the couch for several hours into a three-day, black-tie, red-carpeted affair that is part Academy Awards, part national party.
And mostly it’s become a real-life soap opera.
I don’t say that in a bad way. We just become invested in these “characters” in the run-up to the draft. We watch their film, listen to podcasts dedicated to their skills and engage in discourse on social media with strangers over which of these young men will help our team win the Super Bowl the fastest.
We learn where they went to high school. We’re told (over and over and over again) about the hardships they’ve endured, and the obstacles they’ve overcome. If the Combine is the “NFL Meat Market” or “Underwear Olympics,” where these individuals are treated almost like property to be bought and sold, the Draft itself is where we get to see them as people, celebrating with their loved ones over a dream come true.
I was once again reminded of that with this recent clip from the Ravens.
We're not crying, you're crying 😭
Inside the @BSteve_1 pick 💜
📷: Catch the 2022 NFL Draft on NFL Network, ABC, & ESPN from April 28-30. pic.twitter.com/MrPptouUct
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 19, 2023
It’s the good stuff. It’s the reminder that there are people under those helmets, and that there are more stories to tell than what so-and-so did against Northwesteasterncentral Wyoming State or his 40 time. We never know which players will live up to their billing or exceed expectations until several years down the road, but at the time, we get to celebrate with them in their joy.
Of course, sometimes we get to also re-hash some of the great memories of drafts passed, like when Baltimore took my favorite Ravens player on this date 21 years ago.
21 years ago today, the Ravens selected Ed Reed with the 24th overall choice in the 2002 NFL draft
He would go on to be one of the best safeties in NFL history, securing 646 tackles and intercepting 64 passes in his career, returning seven for touchdowns pic.twitter.com/FzJdRSxQEZ
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) April 20, 2023
Fun times, am I right?
The recent signing of Odell Beckham Jr. makes the Ravens’ first pick this year a bit more of a mystery. What many once considered a slam-dunk pick to be a receiver, Beckham’s addition clouds that up a bit. As would this one.
.@REALPACMAN24 doubled down from yesterday when he said that DeAndre Hopkins-to-Ravens is still possible, but he upped to a ‘skrong’ possibility todaypic.twitter.com/A0ojVU1NeN
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) April 19, 2023
Could you imagine Beckham and Hopkins out there at the same time in the purple and black? It’s almost too much to consider for the seasoned Ravens fan. Especially when you consider the expected return-to-health of this guy, who I still think has the potential of becoming a true game-changer.
Looks like Ravens WR Rashod Bateman, who underwent surgery on his Lisfranc (foot) injury in November, is back running.
All reports from the Ravens on his rehab have been positive.
(via IG/rashodbateman) pic.twitter.com/srjRHGY9br
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) April 19, 2023
Even before the Beckham signing and the increase in volume and frequency of the Hopkins rumors, I felt like corner was a screaming need for the Ravens, especially with Marcus Peters still floating out there in the great unknown. With the receiver room beginning to take on more clarity, it makes more sense than ever that they could be targeting corner.
Our old friend Cole Jackson did some great work on the available corners on the Ravens site.
Happy cornerback day!
Today we're diving into 7 of the top prospects at the CB position.
With a spot open at oCB, who could the #Ravens look to in the draft? Let's dive into the film!#Ravens #RavensFlock https://t.co/vVufuUxs0K
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) April 19, 2023
And since I’m sharing some good spots for learning about the draft-eligible players before next week’s events, let me plug our own real quick. The gang is doing terrific work over there.
Who will the Ravens take in the #NFLDraft at 22 next week?
For @RavensDraftPick, our team of @nmehtaUR2022, @AdamBMore, @KMackSports, @footballman58, @pinder_jared, @zach_siegel32
go through their Day 1 picks for QB and "Wildcard" here. https://t.co/vSzEgyPBKC— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) April 19, 2023
We all know that the great unknown surrounding this team continues to be at the quarterback position, but the momentum of public opinion seems to be tilting back to Lamar Jackson coming back for at least one more season. If not, it seems the Ravens have already been studying a possible replacement.
From NFL Now: #Florida QB Anthony Richardson rounds out his visit schedule with a trip to… the #Ravens. pic.twitter.com/lkQ0mUNLEV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2023
There’s still plenty to learn about what the Ravens will ultimately look like when they take the field for the 2023 season. But we’ll certainly be gaining a little more clarity in one week when the Draft starts.
Get your popcorn ready.
