The Baltimore Ravens are set to enter the 2022 NFL Draft with ten picks total and quite a few key needs on their roster. After a season in which they finished 8-9 with a slew of injuries, the Baltimore Ravens are seeking to retool their team and get back into the playoff hunt. This offseason, they spent money addressing their offensive line by signing tackle Morgan Moses. They also spent additional money to bring in Marcus Williams to be their long-term option at free safety and Michael Pierce to bolster their defensive line.
This team is primed to go defense-heavy in the 2022 NFL Draft so let’s see who goes where and how mad Ravens fans get with these picks. For context, this mock draft will be based on predictions and a little bit of what I would do as an evaluator. Enjoy.
Round One
Although this would be a scenario in which Baltimore could trade back for this selection, ultimately if Jermaine Johnson and Jordan Davis were not on the board this would be an ideal fit for Baltimore. This off-season, they willingly let go of Bradley Bozeman to the Carolina Panthers and are looking to rely on Patrick Mekari to take over at center. Next to him at left guard, there is an open competition between Ben Powers, Tyre Phillips, and 2021 third-round pick Ben Cleveland. This is not an ideal scenario for a team looking to regain their offensive success and make a playoff run.
Zion Johnson has been one of the best watches throughout this entire NFL Draft process and has really flown up big boards as of late. He plays with great technique in regard to hand placement and vision. Additionally, Johnson is an incredible athlete that has enough flexibility to get in front of opponents and blow them off of the ball. He’s an ideal fit in a power scheme and can be a long-term solution at guard for Baltimore.
Round Two
The Ravens shorted Za’Darius Smith in contract negotiations and he tuck-tail for the Minnesota Vikings. It also seems as though the Ravens might not retain Justin Houston or Pernell McPhee for the 2022 season. As such, the Baltimore Ravens depth chart at pass rusher currently consists of Odafe Oweh, Tyus Bowser, and Jaylon Ferguson. It’s no secret the Ravens need to improve at pass rushers and this is where they start.
Arnold Ebiketie transferred to Penn State from Temple and had an amazing season for the Nittany Lions in 2021. He was quick with his first step and had plus hand usage he used to terrorize backfields in the BIG-10. Ebiketie is a plus athlete in space with the potential to be an early contributor in Baltimore’s defense.
Round Three
The Baltimore Ravens had a historical rash of injuries in 2021 and it completely decimated their cornerback room. This year, both Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters are returning from season-ending injuries however the depth outside of the two stars is abysmal. Tavon Young and Anthony Averett have gone elsewhere and Jimmy Smith remains unsigned.
Although Baltimore needs a slot corner, Humphrey has experience in that role so they could conceivably look to add another outside corner. Cam Taylor-Brit is a fast corner with great mirror and match skills in the short area.
Pick 100: Darrian Beavers – Linebacker – Cincinnati
Patrick Queen began to show promise in year two for the Baltimore Ravens but could use another running mate in the middle of the defense. Josh Bynes is a steady veteran but is in the latter half of his career while Malik Harrison is coming off of a freak accident but hasn’t lived up to his third-round selection. Darrian Beavers, while not quite as athletic as some of his peers, plays with a high football IQ and can quickly deconstruct blocks in run defense. He has the size to play some edge pass rusher so he could evolve into a versatile weapon for the Ravens.
Round Four
The Ravens haven’t resigned franchise cornerstone Brandon Williams however they did opt to bring back Michael Pierce on a three-year, $16 million deal to play nose tackle. Even so, Pierce is turning 30 this year and has struggled to stay healthy during his time in Minnesota. John Ridgeway is a strong two-gapping defensive tackle that could evolve into a starter.
Pick 119: Braxton Jones – Offensive Tackle – Southern Utah
With the second of their five, fourth-round picks the Baltimore Ravens to get themselves a developmental offensive tackle with Southern Utah’s Braxton Jones. Jones tested very well this off-season and has some very exciting tape, showing an incredible anchor and some great movement skills into the second level. Morgan Moses is on the tab for three years but is getting older, and with Ronnie Stanley’s health concerns, the need for a swing tackle is looming large over this team.
Pick 128: Rachaad White – Running Back – Arizona State
The Baltimore Ravens have been doing their due diligence on this running back class, meeting with multiple prospects including former Sun Devil Rachaad White. As far as Day Three runners go, White is by far my favorite with his lateral quickness and good vision. Baltimore’s running back room was hit with the injury bug last year and could be due for another piece in the event that Edwards and Dobbins aren’t ready.
Pick 139: Dominique Robinson – EDGE – Miami (OH)
The Baltimore Ravens have the picks and the lack of depth to where they can afford the luxury of double-dipping at edge rusher. Dominique Robinson has minimal experience playing edge but after an incredible Senior Bowl week where he got to showcase his speed as a pass rusher, and has grown a small fanbase in the Draft community. Last year, Baltimore took a chance on an older, developmental edge rusher, and looks as though it’s panning out.
Pick 141: Chigoziem Okonkwo – Tight End – Maryland
With their final, fourth-round pick the Baltimore Ravens go to the local well and take former Terrapin tight end Chigo Okonkwo. Mark Andrews is coming off of an incredible season however Baltimore has relied upon having more than one tight end to make their offense go. In 2019, their offensive success was due in part to how Hayden Hurst was utilized in the passing game, and in the last two years, they have lacked the extra receiving power. Okonkwo is built like a wide receiver and can line up in the slot where he uses his speed to great success.
Round Six
With their final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens get themselves a versatile cornerback in Damarrion Williams. In years past, the Ravens used Ladarius Webb as a corner/safety hybrid who would be dropped in as a nickel defender. Williams has experience with both and his instincts could make him a natural fit in Baltimore’s defense.